Effects of thiamine on cardiac function in patients with systolic heart failure: systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Thiamine is an important micronutrient, and thiamine deficiency is prevalent in patients with congestive heart failure.

METHODS: Using Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Excepta Medica (Embase), we conducted a systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of thiamine supplementation in patients with congestive heart failure.

RESULTS: Compared with placebo (2 trials, n=38), thiamine supplementation resulted in a significantly improved net change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (3.28%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64%, 5.93%).

CONCLUSION: Compared against placebo, thiamine supplementation in 2 randomized, double-blind trials resulted in a significant improvement in net change in LVEF. While further trials are required to establish thiamine's role in patients with systolic heart failure, thiamine may help to improve LVEF in these patients.