Individual sensitivity to growth hormone replacement in adults

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Metabolic Medicine
• Hormone Therapy

Background:

• Growth hormone (GH) plays a vital role in lifelong metabolic functions, including body composition and energy regulation.
• Adults with GH deficiency (GHD) experience adverse effects like increased body fat, reduced muscle mass, and impaired quality of life.
• Recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy can ameliorate GHD symptoms, but patient response varies significantly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the factors influencing the variable therapeutic response to recombinant human GH (rhGH) in adult patients with GHD.
• To discuss the evolution of rhGH dosing strategies from weight-based to individualized titration.
• To highlight the importance of tailoring rhGH therapy to individual patient characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature on adult GH replacement therapy.
• Analysis of factors affecting rhGH efficacy and safety.
• Discussion of individualized dosing and patient-specific considerations.

Main Results:

• Individualized rhGH dose titration has improved treatment efficacy and reduced adverse events compared to weight-based dosing.
• Key factors influencing rhGH response include age, sex, body mass index, GHD onset, baseline GH status, and quality of life.
• Genetic background and treatment adherence may also impact therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Personalized rhGH dosing strategies are essential for optimizing treatment outcomes in adult GHD.
• Further research is needed to develop validated predictive models for identifying rhGH responders.
• Understanding individual patient factors is crucial for effective GH replacement therapy.