BACKGROUND. In patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, intracoronary stem cell transplantation has been shown to improve exercise capacity, reduce ventricular remodelling and improve 1-year survival. Pre-clinical data demonstrate that stem cell effects on the diseased heart can be further enhanced by direct intramyocardial delivery route. AIMS. 1. To evaluate safety and efficacy of intramyocardial stem cell therapy in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. 2. To directly compare clinical effects of intracoronary and intramyocardial stem cell delivery. METHODS. Of 60 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, 30 will be randomized to intramyocardial transplantation of CD34+ cells (Study Group), and 30 will receive intracoronary stem cell therapy (Control Group). In both groups peripheral blood stem cells will be mobilised by daily subcutaneous injections of filgrastim; CD34+ cells will be collected via apheresis and labelled with technetium. In the Study Group electromechanical mapping will be used to identify viable myocardium and intramyocardial injections in the target areas will be performed with NOGA catheter. In the Control group patients will undergo myocardial perfusion scintigraphy and CD34+ cells will be injected intracoronary in the artery supplying segments of reduced viability. Patients will be followed for 1 year. Primary endpoints will include changes in left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular dimensions (measured by echocardiography). Secondary endpoints will include changes in exercise capacity and changes in NT-proBNP values. HYPOTHESES. 1. At 1 year, intramyocardial stem cell therapy will be associated with improved left ventricular ejection fraction, reduced left ventricular dimensions, improved exercise capacity and reduced levels of NT-proBNP. 2. Beneficial effects of intramyocardial stem cell therapy will be superior to those observed with intracoronary stem cell delivery.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
110
Electromechanical mapping will be used to identify viable myocardium (unipolar voltage \>6.9 mV) and intramyocardial injections in the target areas will be performed with NOGA catheter (25 injections of 0.3 cc).
Patients will undergo myocardial perfusion scintigraphy for myocardial viability assessment. Microcatheter will be placed in the mid segment of the coronary artery supplying the segments of reduced tracer accumulation and repeated intracoronary injections of stem cell solution will be performed.
Procedure/Surgery: Intramyocardial injection Electromechanical mapping will be used to identify viable myocardium (unipolar voltage \>6.9 mV) and intramyocardial injections in the target areas will be performed with NOGA catheter (25 injections of 0.3 cc).
UMC Ljubljana
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Changes in left ventricular ejection fraction and dimensions
Standard 2D and Doppler echocardiography will be performed at baseline, and repeated at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year after the procedure. Left ventricular ejection fraction will be measured using Simpson's method and left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions will be measured according to standard echocardiography protocol.
Time frame: 1 year
Changes in exercise capacity
Exercise capacity will be evaluated with 6-minute walk test at baseline, and again at 1,3,6 and 12 months after the procedure.
Time frame: 1 year
Change in NT-proBNP levels
Plasma levels of NT-proBNP will be measured at baseline, and again at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure.
Time frame: 1 year
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