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Amelioration of cardiovascular risk factors with partial biochemical control of acromegaly

Sideris P Delaroudis1, Zoe A Efstathiadou, George N Koukoulis

  • 1Endocrine Clinic, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Clinical Endocrinology
|January 16, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Suboptimal treatment for acromegaly significantly improved cardiovascular risk markers, including blood pressure and metabolic parameters. However, some inflammatory and coagulation factors remained altered, indicating a need for further management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Acromegaly, a condition of excessive growth hormone, is linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
  • Complete remission of acromegaly improves cardiovascular risk parameters.
  • The impact of suboptimal therapy on cardiovascular risk markers in acromegaly requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effects of suboptimal somatostatin analogue therapy on cardiovascular risk indices in acromegaly patients.
  • To evaluate changes in hemodynamic, metabolic, inflammatory, and coagulation parameters.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 18 acromegaly patients on somatostatin analogues with incomplete biochemical control.
  • Patients were assessed at diagnosis and 6 months post-treatment, compared to 15 healthy controls.
  • Measurements included blood pressure, hormones (GH, IGF-I), metabolic markers (glucose, HbA1c, lipids), inflammatory markers (hs-CRP), and coagulation factors (fibrinogen, PAI-1, tPA).

Main Results:

  • Partial acromegaly control significantly reduced blood pressure, glucose, insulin, HbA1c, LDL-C, and triglycerides.
  • Significant improvements were observed in HDL-C, apoA1, and insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index).
  • Fibrinogen and PAI-1 levels decreased, while tPA decreased and hs-CRP increased; some markers remained different from controls.

Conclusions:

  • Partial control of acromegaly with somatostatin analogues leads to substantial improvements in numerous cardiovascular risk markers.
  • Despite improvements, certain cardiovascular risk factors persist, suggesting ongoing monitoring and potential for further therapeutic optimization.

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