Effect of Glucose-Insulin-Potassium infusion on systolic and diastolic functions in patients with chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy

Background: Ischemic cardiomyopathy is accompanied by some degrees of decreased metabolism. Therefore, the adoption of a method to facilitate cellular absorption and use of glucose may promote myocardial function and viability. Glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) solution has been used with some successful results in acute ischemic heart disease decreasing the extent of the ischemic zone in the myocardium and promoting ventricular function. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of GIK infusion on systolic and diastolic functions in patients with chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out on a total of 25 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction 40%) with stable clinical condition referring to the Cardiac Emergency Department or Clinic of Cardiology in Ghaem hospital in Mashhad, Iran. The patients were assessed by echocardiographic indices before and after GIK administration to evaluate the effects of GIK on the systolic and diastolic functions of the heart in chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy. Results: The male to female ratio was 4:1 in the present study. According to echocardiographic findings, left heart end-diastolic indices did not show any significant statistical changes (P 0.005); however, the diastolic function of the left ventricle significantly improved after the administration of GIK (P 0.005). Despite the fact that there was no significant change in the improvement of systolic left and right ventricular functions (P 0.005), clinical symptoms decreased due to metabolic improvements and an increase in ventricular function after GIK administration. Conclusion: The administration of GIK solution (as an accessible and cost-effective agent) may improve ventricular diastolic function and clinical symptoms; therefore, it is suggested to use GIK as an effective therapeutic method in ischemic cardiomyopathy.