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Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
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Long-term effects of growth hormone (GH) replacement in men with childhood-onset GH deficiency

J C ter Maaten1, H de Boer, O Kamp

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|July 15, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Long term growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in men with childhood-onset GH deficiency improves body composition, bone density, and cardiac function. This study confirms long term GH therapy is safe and beneficial for adults.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

  • Short-term growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy improves body composition and exercise capacity.
  • Long-term benefits and safety of GH replacement are not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the long-term effects of GH replacement on body composition, bone mineral density, and cardiac function.
  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sustained GH therapy in adults with childhood-onset GH deficiency.

Main Methods:

  • A 3-5 year study of 38 men with childhood-onset GH deficiency.
  • Measurements included anthropometry, CT scans, bone densitometry, echocardiography, and ergometry.
  • GH dosage was adjusted to maintain physiological insulin-like growth factor I levels.

Main Results:

  • Progressive increase in leg muscle mass (28.7%) and bone mineral density at lumbar spine (9.6%), femoral neck (11.1%), and trochanter (16.2%).
  • Significant decrease in subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat after 1 year, with partial regain later.
  • Improved cardiac performance, including increased stroke volume (16.3%) and cardiac output (33.4%), without left ventricular hypertrophy.
  • Maximal workload increased significantly (from 189 to 232 watts).

Conclusions:

  • Long-term GH replacement therapy is safe and beneficial for adults with childhood-onset GH deficiency.
  • Sustained therapy improves cardiac function, increases bone mineral density, and enhances exercise capacity.
  • GH therapy effectively manages body composition changes associated with GH deficiency.

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