Echocardiographic Assessment of Heart Changes in Growth Hormone Deficiency
Author Information
Author(s): de Gregorio Cesare, Curtò Lorenzo, Recupero Antonino, Grimaldi Patrizia, Almoto Barbara, Venturino Marilena, Cento Domenico, Narbone Maria Carola, Trimarchi Francesco, Coglitore Sebastiano, Cannavò Salvatore
Primary Institution: University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
Hypothesis
Does growth hormone deficiency (GHD) affect left ventricular mass and geometry independent of body mass index (BMI)?
Conclusion
About 25% of GHD patients showed high left ventricular mass index, indicating a need for further investigation into cardiovascular risks in this population.
Supporting Evidence
- About 22% of GHD patients showed eccentric hypertrophy.
- High left ventricular mass index is a known risk factor for cardiovascular events.
- Circulating IGF-1 levels correlated with left ventricular mass index.
Takeaway
Some people with growth hormone deficiency have hearts that are bigger than normal, which can be a problem, just like in overweight people.
Methodology
The study involved 54 GHD patients and 20 matched controls, using echocardiography to assess left ventricular mass and geometry.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and did not assess LV performance during exercise.
Participant Demographics
54 adult patients with GHD, aged 45.9 ± 13.1, including 28 women and 26 men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001 for GH-peak and p<0.05 for IGF-1 between groups.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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