In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned 37 patients (mean age 66 years; 95% male) with ischemic heart failure (HF) (ejection fraction (EF) \< 40%) to a 9-month treatment with either recombinant human GH (1.4 mg every other day) or placebo, with subsequent 3-month treatment-free follow-up. The primary outcome was change in left ventricular (LV) end-systolic volume measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Secondary outcomes comprised changes in cardiac structure and EF. Prespecified tertiary outcomes included changes in New York Heat Association (NYHA) functional class and quality of life (QoL), as well as levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Ejection fraction at rest less than 40% at the screening visit as measured by echocardiography and a left ventricular enddiastolic diameter \> 32 mm/m2
* Stable, optimised therapy for heart failure for at least 4 weeks prior to randomisation including Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, or if not tolerated, angiotensin II blockers and/or digitalis. If tolerated patients should receive beta-blockers for heart failure provided they have had a stable dose for at least 3 months prior to randomisation. The dose of diuretics may vary within a given dose-range considered normal for that patient as determined by the investigator.
* Written informed consent obtained
Exclusion Criteria:
* Uncontrolled hypertension, treated or not treated with a diastolic blood pressure \>105 mm Hg
* Haemodynamic clinically significant primary valvular disease or significant congenital heart disease
* Hypertrophic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
* Acute pericarditis/myocarditis
* Echocardiography findings such as mobile thrombus, significant pericardial effusion and significant left ventricular aneurysm
* Symptomatic or sustained ventricular arrhythmias within the last 3 months not adequately treated with antiarrhythmic drugs or internal cardiovertor defibrillator (ICD)
* Unstable angina pectoris, or myocardial infarction within last 3 months
* percutaneous coronary intervention performed within 6 months prior to randomization
* Planned percutaneous coronary intervent…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.