fibroblast growth factor

  can you please provide me with information on fibroblast growth factor used in conjunction with treatment of congestive heart failure.

[CCF CARDIO MD-CCF]

Dear Connie,
The use of growth factors in the treatment of heart failure is not yet in the clinical stage.
One group in Italy did administer growth factor to patients in a small clinical
trial that showed some benefit, however there are many ideas out there regarding
safety and true long term benefit to the patient.  The current answer to your question
is that there are no clinical trials(where heart failure patients get growth
factors)at present using growth factors.  There is however a tremendous amount
of basic science research that includes the study of growth factors on the
heart muscle of a failing heart, thus it will likely be in the next few years
that we see growth factors being tested in heart failure patients.  Good Luck.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical
informational purposes only, actual diagnosis and treatment can only be made
by your physician(s).