[The influence of 3-month treatment with molsidomine on structure, function and some neurohormonal parameters in patients with chronic heart failure treated with digoxin, diuretic and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors].

The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of long-term treatment with molsidomine on structure, systolic function and neurohormonal parameters in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Investigations were carried out in 30 patients (mean age 63.0 +/- 10.9) in NYHA class III and IV. The cause of CHF was: coronary artery disease in 60% of patients, hypertension in 20% and dilated cardiomyopathy in 20% of patients. Molsidomine was administrated in dose of 2 mg tid for 3 months. During the study the previous treatment with ACEI, diuretics and digitalis was maintained. Using echocardiographic method left atrial dimension (LA), left ventricular end diastolic (LVEDD) and end systolic diameter (LVESD), interventricular septum (IVSDD) and posterior wall end diastolic diameter (LVPWDD), ejection fraction (LVEF) and fraction of shortening (LVFS) were measured. Plasma level of atrial natriuretic peptide, endotelin, neuropeptide Y and aldosterone and plasma renin activity were estimated radioimmunologically. All echocardiographic and neurohormonal measures were performed 4 times: before therapy, after 3 days, 2 weeks and 3 months of treatment with molsidomine. We observed significant increase in LVEF, which at baseline was 33.8% and after 3 months 44.8% (p < 0.05). None of the other echocardiographic parameters nor any of neurohormonal factors changed significantly during the 3-months treatment with molsidomine.