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Growth hormone deficiency in adults--an indication for therapy?
Insights
Discontinuing human growth hormone (hGH) therapy led to muscle strength and size decreases in a patient with multiple hormone deficiencies, but not in one with isolated hGH deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Muscle Physiology
- Pediatric Endocrinology
Background:
- Human growth hormone (hGH) is crucial for growth and development.
- The long-term effects of discontinuing hGH therapy in late adolescence are not fully understood.
- This study investigates muscle adaptations after hGH cessation in young adults.
Observation:
- Two case studies involving patients aged 18-19 years were analyzed.
- Measurements included quadriceps femoris muscle strength, cross-sectional area, and muscle fiber area.
- Data were collected before and at 3 and 9 months after hGH therapy discontinuation.
Findings:
- The patient with multiple hormone deficiencies showed significant decreases in all measured muscle parameters.
- The patient with isolated hGH deficiency exhibited no significant changes in muscle strength or size.
- These divergent responses highlight the complex role of hGH in maintaining muscle mass.
Implications:
- hGH therapy cessation may negatively impact muscle health in individuals with combined hormonal issues.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms behind these differential responses.
- These findings have implications for managing hormone replacement therapy in adolescents and young adults.
Abstract:
Case studies are presented for two patients, one with isolated hGH deficiency and one with multiple hormone deficiencies. The patients were studied 3 months before, and 3 and 9 months after discontinuing hGH therapy, at 19 and 18 years of age, respectively. Strength in the quadriceps femoris, cross-sectional area of the quadriceps muscles and cross-sectional muscle fibre area were measured. In the patient with multiple hormone deficiencies, clear decreases in all three parameters were evident after discontinuing hGH treatment. There were no significant changes in the other patient. Reasons for these differences are discussed.