Quality of life, body composition and muscle strength in adult growth hormone deficiency: the influence of growth hormone replacement therapy for up to 3 years

Metabolic and quality of life effects of growth hormone replacement in patients with TBI and AGHD: A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a common cause of adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD), affects 20% of Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan (OEF/OIF/OND). Growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) improves quality of life (QoL) in AGHD but remains unexplored in this population. This pilot, observational study investigates the feasibility and efficacy of GHRT in AGHD following TBI.

DESIGN

In this 6-month study of combat Veterans with AGHD and TBI starting GHRT (N = 7), feasibility (completion rate and rhGH adherence) and efficacy (improvements in self-reported QoL) of GHRT were measured (primary outcomes). Secondary outcomes included body composition, physical and cognitive function, psychological and somatic symptoms, physical activity, IGF-1 levels and safety parameters. It was hypothesized that participants would adhere to GHRT and that QoL would significantly improve after six months.

RESULTS

Five subjects (71%) completed all study visits. All patients administered daily rhGH injections, 6 (86%) of whom consistently administered the clinically-prescribed dose. While QoL demonstrated numeric improvement, this change did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.17). Significant improvements were observed in total lean mass (p = 0.02), latissimus dorsi strength (p = 0.05), verbal learning (Trial 1, p = 0.02; Trial 5, p = 0.03), attention (p = 0.02), short-term memory (p = 0.04), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (p = 0.03). Body weight (p = 0.02) and total fat mass (p = 0.03) increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

GHRT is a feasible and well-tolerated intervention for U.S. Veterans with TBI-related AGHD. It improved key areas impacted by AGHD and symptoms of PTSD. Larger, placebo-controlled studies testing the efficacy and safety of this intervention in this population are warranted.

Growth hormone deficiency in adults with hypopituitarism-What are the risks and can they be eliminated by therapy?

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency develops early in patients with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders and is therefore common among these patients. GH deficiency in adults is associated with increased morbidity, increased body fat mass, abdominal obesity, dyslipidaemia, reduced exercise capacity, impaired cardiac function as well as reduced self-reported well-being and impaired quality of life. Since recombinant human GH became available as replacement therapy more than 25 years ago, randomised controlled trials and long-term studies, together with meta-analyses, have shown improved outcomes in adult patients with hypopituitarism receiving GH. Many of the features associated with GH deficiency in adults improve, or even normalize, and the safety profile is reassuring. The increased interest in GH deficiency in adults with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders has also contributed to the identification of other factors of importance for an outcome such as the replacement of other pituitary hormone deficiencies, and the management of the underlying hypothalamic-pituitary disease, most commonly a pituitary tumour. In this narrative review, we summarize the burden of GH deficiency in adults with hypopituitarism, the impact of GH replacement on the outcome, as well as safety. Based on currently available data, GH replacement should be considered routine management of adults with hypopituitarism.

Hypothesis: Mechanisms That Prevent Recovery in Prolonged ICU Patients Also Underlie Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

Here the hypothesis is advanced that maladaptive mechanisms that prevent recovery in some intensive care unit (ICU) patients may also underlie Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Specifically, these mechanisms are: (a) suppression of the pituitary gland's pulsatile secretion of tropic hormones, and (b) a "vicious circle" between inflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), and low thyroid hormone function. This hypothesis should be investigated through collaborative research projects.

Growth hormone therapy in adults with growth hormone deficiency: a critical assessment of the literature

PURPOSE

Growth hormone (GH) therapy has been studied as treatment for clinical manifestations of adult-onset growth hormone deficiency (AO-GHD), including cardiovascular risk, bone health, and quality of life. Patients with AO-GHD typically also have significant history of pituitary pathology and hypopituitarism, which raises the question of what proportion of their clinical presentation can be attributed to GHD alone. Currently, much of the existing data for GH therapy in AO-GHD come from uncontrolled retrospective studies and observational protocols. These considerations require careful reassessment of the role of GH as a therapeutic agent in adult patients with hypopituitarism.

METHODS

We contrast results from placebo-controlled trials with those from uncontrolled and retrospective studies for GH replacement in patients with hypopituitarism. We also examine the evidence for the manifestations of AO-GHD being attributed to GHD alone, as well as the data on adults with congenital, life-long untreated isolated GHD.

RESULTS

The evidence for increased morbidity and mortality in hypopituitary patients with GHD, and for the benefits of GH therapy, are conflicting. There remains the possibility that the described clinical manifestations of AO-GHD may not be due to GHD alone, but may also be related to underlying pituitary pathology, treatment history and suboptimal hormone replacement.

CONCLUSIONS

In the setting of inconsistent data on the benefits of GH therapy, treatment of AO-GHD remains an individualized decision. There is a need for more randomized, placebo-controlled studies to evaluate the long-term outcomes of GH therapy in adults with hypopituitarism.

Muscle strength in patients with acromegaly at diagnosis and during long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Patients with acromegaly have decreased body fat (BF) and increased extracellular water (ECW) and muscle mass. Although there is a lack of systematic studies on muscle function, it is believed that patients with acromegaly may suffer from proximal muscle weakness despite their increased muscle mass. We studied body composition and muscle function in untreated acromegaly and after biochemical remission.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

METHODS

Patients with acromegaly underwent measurements of muscle strength (dynamometers) and body composition (four-compartment model) at diagnosis (n = 48), 1 year after surgery (n = 29) and after long-term follow-up (median 11 years) (n = 24). Results were compared to healthy subjects.

RESULTS

Untreated patients had increased body cell mass (113 ± 9% of predicted) and ECW (110 ± 20%) and decreased BF (67 ± 7.6%). At one-year follow-up, serum concentration of IGF-I was reduced and body composition had normalized. At baseline, isometric muscle strength in knee flexors and extensors was normal and concentric strength was modestly increased whereas grip strength and endurance was reduced. After one year, muscle strength was normal in both patients with still active disease and patients in remission. At long-term follow-up, all patients were in remission. Most muscle function tests remained normal, but isometric flexion and the fatigue index were increased to 153 ± 42% and 139 ± 28% of predicted values, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with untreated acromegaly had increased body cell mass and normal or modestly increased proximal muscle strength, whereas their grip strength was reduced. After biochemical improvement and remission, body composition was normalized, hand grip strength was increased, whereas proximal muscle fatigue increased.

Reviewing the safety of GH replacement therapy in adults

CONTEXT

Systematic data on safety of growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in adult GH deficiency is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically describe safety of adult GH replacement therapy on glucose metabolism and long term safety.

DESIGN

A systematic web-based search of PubMed was performed guided by the Standard Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

OUTCOME

Randomised controlled trials of ≥3 months and open trials for ≥12 months with more than 50 adult patients (50 patient years, prospective and retrospective) including adverse event reporting as well as articles on mortality primarily on adult onset patients, reporting mortality ratios on GH treated patients, were included for the review.

RESULTS

Based on the defined selection criteria 94 studies were included. The short-term early placebo controlled trials did not demonstrate an increased frequency of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the long-term open studies did not consistently show an increased incidence of DM during GH replacement. The concern that long-term GH replacement might increase the risk of primary cancer, secondary neoplasia after tumour treatment and recurrence of previous tumours was not evident in the study data.

CONCLUSION

Based on available data, short- and long-term adult GH replacement in patients with severe GH deficiency and hypopituitarism is safe. However, the small number of subjects, limitation of long-term of GH treatment data and absence of an adequate control population is still a limitation for the interpretation of these data.

Effects of low dose versus high dose human growth hormone on body composition and lipids in adults with GH deficiency: a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized trials

PURPOSE

Doses of growth hormone in adults with growth hormone deficiency are now lower than previously. However, it is not clear they are as effective as higher doses. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess efficacy of low to moderate dose (LD) GH replacement on standard endpoints of GH compared to higher doses.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was carried out using PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases from 1960 to 9/23/12. Three reviewers identified randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of 6 months duration. Of 173 publications, 28 representing 22 trials (591 GH-treated patients and 562 placebo) were included. Data were independently extracted by three reviewers. Endpoints were analyzed if ≥4 studies per dose group reported baseline and 6 month data.

RESULTS

Mean lean body mass (LBM) increased by 2.61 kg in GH-treated subjects versus 0.04 in the placebo group (P < 0.0001). Fat mass (FM) was reduced by -2.19 kg versus 0.31 (GH vs. placebo) (P = 0.0002). Changes in LBM and FM were dose-related (P = 0.02 and 0.007, respectively), high dose (HD) being more effective than low dose (LBM P = 0.03 and FM P = 0.04). In contrast, treatment with GH reduced total cholesterol -0.38 mmol/L versus. 0.01 (placebo) (P < 0.0001), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) -0.42 mmol/L versus -0.1 (P = 0.0009), but there were no differences between LD and HD GH.

CONCLUSIONS

LDs of hGH improve total- and LDL-C, and body composition. Higher doses are more effective on body composition, but not lipids.

Sarcopenia in Asia: consensus report of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia, a newly recognized geriatric syndrome, is characterized by age-related decline of skeletal muscle plus low muscle strength and/or physical performance. Previous studies have confirmed the association of sarcopenia and adverse health outcomes, such as falls, disability, hospital admission, long term care placement, poorer quality of life, and mortality, which denotes the importance of sarcopenia in the health care for older people. Despite the clinical significance of sarcopenia, the operational definition of sarcopenia and standardized intervention programs are still lacking. It is generally agreed by the different working groups for sarcopenia in the world that sarcopenia should be defined through a combined approach of muscle mass and muscle quality, however, selecting appropriate diagnostic cutoff values for all the measurements in Asian populations is challenging. Asia is a rapidly aging region with a huge population, so the impact of sarcopenia to this region is estimated to be huge as well. Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) aimed to promote sarcopenia research in Asia, and we collected the best available evidences of sarcopenia researches from Asian countries to establish the consensus for sarcopenia diagnosis. AWGS has agreed with the previous reports that sarcopenia should be described as low muscle mass plus low muscle strength and/or low physical performance, and we also recommend outcome indicators for further researches, as well as the conditions that sarcopenia should be assessed. In addition to sarcopenia screening for community-dwelling older people, AWGS recommends sarcopenia assessment in certain clinical conditions and healthcare settings to facilitate implementing sarcopenia in clinical practice. Moreover, we also recommend cutoff values for muscle mass measurements (7.0 kg/m(2) for men and 5.4 kg/m(2) for women by using dual X-ray absorptiometry, and 7.0 kg/m(2) for men and 5.7 kg/m(2) for women by using bioimpedance analysis), handgrip strength (<26 kg for men and <18 kg for women), and usual gait speed (<0.8 m/s). However, a number of challenges remained to be solved in the future. Asia is made up of a great number of ethnicities. The majority of currently available studies have been published from eastern Asia, therefore, more studies of sarcopenia in south, southeastern, and western Asia should be promoted. On the other hand, most Asian studies have been conducted in a cross-sectional design and few longitudinal studies have not necessarily collected the commonly used outcome indicators as other reports from Western countries. Nevertheless, the AWGS consensus report is believed to promote more Asian sarcopenia research, and most important of all, to focus on sarcopenia intervention studies and the implementation of sarcopenia in clinical practice to improve health care outcomes of older people in the communities and the healthcare settings in Asia.

Action of GH on skeletal muscle function: molecular and metabolic mechanisms

Skeletal muscle is a target tissue of GH. Based on its anabolic properties, it is widely accepted that GH enhances muscle performance in sports and muscle function in the elderly. This paper critically reviews information on the effects of GH on muscle function covering structure, protein metabolism, the role of IGF1 mediation, bioenergetics and performance drawn from molecular, cellular and physiological studies on animals and humans. GH increases muscle strength by enhancing muscle mass without affecting contractile force or fibre composition type. GH stimulates whole-body protein accretion with protein synthesis occurring in muscular and extra-muscular sites. The energy required to power muscle function is derived from a continuum of anaerobic and aerobic sources. Molecular and functional studies provide evidence that GH stimulates the anaerobic and suppresses the aerobic energy system, in turn affecting power-based functional measures in a time-dependent manner. GH exerts complex multi-system effects on skeletal muscle function in part mediated by the IGF system.

Body composition and depressive/anxiety symptoms in overweight and obese individuals with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Several studies point to a correlation between obesity and the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms in children and adults, but there are still some controversial points about this association. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between body composition and the severity of anxiety/depressive symptoms in overweight and obese individuals with Metabolic Syndrome (MS).

METHODS

Fifty patients, 18-50 years old, overweight or obese and with the diagnosis of MS based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria were selected for this study. Body composition was evaluated using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA). Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-Depression) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Anxiety symptoms were evaluated using HADS-Anxiety.

RESULTS

No correlation was found between depressive symptoms (HADS-Depression or BDI) and Body Mass Index (BMI) (r = 0.01; p = 0.94 and r = -0.12, p = 0.38; respectively), Waist Circumference (WC) (r = -0.06, p = 0.67 and r = -0.22, p = 0.12; respectively), and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) (r = -0.12, p = 0.40 and r = -0.17, p = 0.23; respectively). Additionally, no correlation was found among anxiety symptoms (HADS-Anxiety) and BMI (r = -0.15, p = 0.27), and WHR (r = -0.17, p = 0.24). In contrast, a significant correlation was found between percentage of total fat (DXA) and HADS-Depression (r = 0.34, p = 0.019) and HADS-Anxiety (r = 0.30, p = 0.039). Additionally, an inverse and strong correlation was found between lean mass (in grams) and HADS-Depression (r = -0.42, p = 0.004), HADS anxiety (r = -0.57, p < 0.0001), and BDI (r = -0.44, p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

In individuals with MS, the percentage of body fat, and not central fat, BMI, WC, or WHR, was associated with an increased severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms. In contrast, total lean mass was strongly associated with fewer anxiety/depressive symptoms, suggesting that body composition might be related to psychiatric comorbidity in overweight individuals with MS.

Somatropin treatment of spinal muscular atrophy: a placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover pilot study

In preclinical studies growth hormone and its primary mediator IGF-1 have shown potential to increase muscle mass and strength. A single patient with spinal muscular atrophy reported benefit after compassionate use of growth hormone. Therefore we evaluated the efficacy and safety of growth hormone treatment for spinal muscular atrophy in a multicenter, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot trial. Patients (n = 19) with type II/III spinal muscular atrophy were randomised to receive either somatropin (0.03 mg/kg/day) or placebo subcutaneously for 3 months, followed by a 2-month wash-out phase before 3 months of treatment with the contrary remedy. Changes in upper limb muscle strength (megascore for elbow flexion and hand-grip in Newton) were assessed by hand-held myometry as the primary measure of outcome. Secondary outcome measures included lower limb muscle strength, motor function using the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale and other functional tests for motor function and pulmonary function. Somatropin treatment did not significantly affect upper limb muscle strength (point estimate mean: 0.08 N, 95% confidence interval (CI:-3.79;3.95, p = 0.965), lower limb muscle strength (point estimate mean: 2.23 N, CI:-2.19;6.63, p = 0.302) or muscle and pulmonary function. Side effects occurring during somatropin treatment corresponded with well-known side effects of growth hormone substitution in patients with growth hormone deficiency. In this pilot study, growth hormone treatment did not improve muscle strength or function in patients with spinal muscular atrophy type II/III.

Compromised quality of life in adult patients who have received a radiation dose towards the basal part of the brain. A case-control study in long-term survivors from cancer in the head and neck region

Background

Adult patients with hypothalamic-pituitary disorders have compromised quality of life (QoL). Whether this is due to their endocrine consequences (hypopituitarism), their underlying hypothalamic-pituitary disorder or both is still under debate. The aim of this trial was to measure quality of life (QoL) in long-term cancer survivors who have received a radiation dose to the basal part of the brain and the pituitary.

Methods

Consecutive patients (n=101) treated for oropharyngeal or epipharyngeal cancer with radiotherapy followed free of cancer for a period of 4 to10 years were identified. Fifteen patients (median age 56 years) with no concomitant illness and no hypopituitarism after careful endocrine evaluation were included in a case-control study with matched healthy controls. Doses to the hypothalamic-pituitary region were calculated. QoL was assessed using the Symptom check list (SCL)-90, Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and Psychological Well Being (PGWB) questionnaires. Level of physical activity was assessed using the Baecke questionnaire.

Results

The median accumulated dose was 1.9 Gy (1.5–2.2 Gy) to the hypothalamus and 2.4 Gy (1.8–3.3 Gy) to the pituitary gland in patients with oropharyngeal cancer and 6.0–9.3 Gy and 33.5–46.1 Gy, respectively in patients with epipharyngeal cancer (n=2). The patients showed significantly more anxiety and depressiveness, and lower vitality, than their matched controls.

Conclusion

In a group of long time survivors of head and neck cancer who hade received a low radiation dose to the hypothalamic-pituitary region and who had no endocrine consequences of disease or its treatment QoL was compromised as compared with well matched healthy controls.

Hormone replacement therapy and physical function in healthy older men. Time to talk hormones?

Improving physical function and mobility in a continuously expanding elderly population emerges as a high priority of medicine today. Muscle mass, strength/power, and maximal exercise capacity are major determinants of physical function, and all decline with aging. This contributes to the incidence of frailty and disability observed in older men. Furthermore, it facilitates the accumulation of body fat and development of insulin resistance. Muscle adaptation to exercise is strongly influenced by anabolic endocrine hormones and local load-sensitive autocrine/paracrine growth factors. GH, IGF-I, and testosterone (T) are directly involved in muscle adaptation to exercise because they promote muscle protein synthesis, whereas T and locally expressed IGF-I have been reported to activate muscle stem cells. Although exercise programs improve physical function, in the long-term most older men fail to comply. The GH/IGF-I axis and T levels decline markedly with aging, whereas accumulating evidence supports their indispensable role in maintaining physical function integrity. Several studies have reported that the administration of T improves lean body mass and maximal voluntary strength in healthy older men. On the other hand, most studies have shown that administration of GH alone failed to improve muscle strength despite amelioration of the detrimental somatic changes of aging. Both GH and T are anabolic agents that promote muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy but work through separate mechanisms, and the combined administration of GH and T, albeit in only a few studies, has resulted in greater efficacy than either hormone alone. Although it is clear that this combined approach is effective, this review concludes that further studies are needed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of combined hormone replacement therapy in older men before the medical rationale of prescribing hormone replacement therapy for combating the sarcopenia of aging can be established.

Body composition and quality of life in adults treated with GH therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To summarise the evidence about the efficacy and safety of using GH in adults with GH deficiency focusing on quality of life and body composition.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science and Scopus through April 2011. We also reviewed reference lists and contacted experts to identify candidate studies.

STUDY SELECTION

Reviewers, working independently and in duplicate, selected randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared GH to placebo.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We pooled the relative risk (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) by the random effects model and assessed heterogeneity using the I(2) statistic.

RESULTS

Fifty-four RCTs were included enrolling over 3400 patients. The quality of the included trials was fair. GH use was associated with statistically significant reduction in weight (WMD, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): -2.31 kg, -2.66 and -1.96) and body fat content (WMD, 95% CI: -2.56 kg, -2.97 and -2.16); increase in lean body mass (WMD, 95% CI: 1.38, 1.10 and 1.65), the risk of oedema (RR, 95% CI: 6.07, 4.34 and 8.48) and joint stiffness (RR, 95% CI: 4.17, 1.4 and 12.38); without significant changes in body mass index, bone mineral density or other adverse effects. Quality of life measures improved in 11 of the 16 trials although meta-analysis was not feasible.

RESULTS

GH therapy in adults with confirmed GH deficiency reduces weight and body fat, increases lean body mass and increases oedema and joint stiffness. Most trials demonstrated improvement in quality of life measures.

Prediction of improvement in quality of life (QoL-AGHDA) in adults with growth hormone deficiency by normative reference limits: data of the German KIMS cohort

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to calculate sex- and age-specific normative values for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Germany using quantile regression. Furthermore, we investigate the estimates of these normative data to and to predict the improvement of QoL-AGHDA scores in the German KIMS cohort during growth hormone treatment.

DESIGN

Normative data of HRQoL was assessed by quality of life assessment of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in adults (QoL-AGHDA) in a representative sample of the German population (n=4172). Corresponding data for 888 patients with GHD were retrieved from the German KIMS cohort (Pfizer International Metabolic Database).

RESULTS

The overall mean QoL-AGHDA score of the general population was 4.8±5.2. ANOVA indicated that variability in QoL-AGHDA scores did not differ significantly across gender (p=0.20), whereas age was a significant predictor (p<0.001). Given the QoL-AGHDA score distribution of the general population, we calculated reference values based on quantile regression. In KIMS patients we observed significantly higher QoL-AGHDA scores, 7.9±6.5 (p<0.001), before GH treatment. The optimal predictive QoL-AGHDA score was 6 (70th percentile) with a sensitivity of 0.57 and a specificity of 0.70 in ROC analysis. Furthermore, a baseline QoL-AGHDA score above the 70th percentile allowed predicting an improvement of QoL by GH treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study established normative reference values for the QoL-AGHDA in a representative sample of the German population. Based on these normative data a QoL-AGHDA cut-off value for prediction of improvement was investigated for the German population, which may facilitate clinical assessment of HRQoL response to GH replacement for patients with GHD.

Adult growth hormone deficiency

Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is being recognized increasingly and has been thought to be associated with premature mortality. Pituitary tumors are the commonest cause for AGHD. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) has been associated with neuropsychiatric-cognitive, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, metabolic, and skeletal abnormalities. Most of these can be reversed with growth hormone therapy. The insulin tolerance test still remains the gold standard dynamic test to diagnose AGHD. Growth hormone is administered subcutaneously once a day, titrated to clinical symptoms, signs and IGF-1 (insulin like growth factor-1). It is generally well tolerated at the low-doses used in adults. Pegylated human growth hormone therapy is on the horizon, with a convenient once a week dosing.

The benefit of long-term growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in hypopituitary adults with GH deficiency: results of the German KIMS database

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the treatment effects of long-term growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in adults with GH deficiency (GHD) who were followed in KIMS Germany (Pfizer International Metabolic Database), a national surveillance study.

DESIGN

The analysis was performed using baseline and long-term data (range: 4-10 years) of 440 consecutively documented patients (216 women and 224 men) with GHD, aged 20 to 49 years, enrolled in KIMS Germany. Serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), fasting blood glucose, fasting serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as well as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and hip circumference (HC) at baseline and at last visit were studied. Furthermore, QoL-AGHDA score was determined to assess quality-of-life (QoL).

RESULTS

The mean dose of GH over all years was 0.41 mg per day in women and 0.37 mg per day in men. IGF-I and IGF-I SDS levels (standard deviation score) increased significantly (p<0.001) during GH treatment. The QoL-AGHDA score decreased significantly (p<0.001), indicating long-lasting improvement in QoL. In total cholesterol, LDL-C and fasting blood glucose, no significant changes were found. Only six patients developed type 2 diabetes during follow-up. Females and males similarly increased significantly in BMI, WC and HC. During GH treatment, recurrences of pituitary or central nervous system tumours or further de novo neoplasia were reported in 6 or 11 patients, respectively. The number of the most frequently reported GH treatment-associated adverse events was low.

CONCLUSION

These observational data show long-term beneficial effects of GH replacement therapy on QoL and show no significant effects on total cholesterol, LDL-C or BMI, WC and HC. Additionally, our data indicate that GH replacement therapy in adults is well tolerated.

The effect of growth hormone (GH) replacement on muscle strength in patients with GH-deficiency: a meta-analysis

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVES

GH replacement increases muscle mass and reduces body fat in growth hormone deficiency (GHD) adults. A recent meta-analysis has demonstrated that this improvement in body composition is associated with improved exercise performance. The current meta-analysis was carried out to determine whether high-quality evidence exists to support a beneficial effect of GH replacement on strength.

DESIGN/METHODS

An extensive Medline search/literature review identified eight studies with utilizable, robust data, involving 231 patients in nine cohorts. Previously unpublished data were sought from authors and obtained in two cases. All studies included were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, of parallel or cross-over design and of an average 6.7 months duration. Information was retrieved in uniform format, with data pertaining to patient numbers, study-design, GH-dose, mean age, IGF-I levels and muscle strength measurements (isometric or isokinetic quadriceps strength) recorded. Data were analysed using a fixed-effects model, utilizing continuous data measured on different scales. A summary effect measure (d(s)) was derived for individual strength variables, whereas an overall summary effect was derived from the sum of all studies incorporating different variables; 95% CIs were calculated from the weighted variances of individual study effects.

RESULTS

Analysis revealed no significant improvement, neither when all studies were combined (d(s) = +0.01 +/- 0.26) nor when measured individually (isometric quadriceps strength, d(s) = +0.02 +/- 0.32 and isokinetic quadriceps strength, d(s) = 0.00 +/- 0.45).

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence from short-term controlled studies fails to support a benefit on muscle strength of GH replacement in GHD patients, which is likely to occur over a longer time-course, as seen in open-label studies.

Impact of GH substitution on exercise capacity and muscle strength in GH-deficient adults: a meta-analysis of blinded, placebo-controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Several but not all trials suggest that GH replacement in GH-deficient adults improves aerobic exercise capacity, whereas its effect on muscle strength is more dubious. However, a denominator of these studies is a low sample size.

OBJECTIVE

We systematically reviewed and analysed all randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials on the effects of GH administration on aerobic exercise capacity and muscle strength in GH-deficient adults.

STUDY SELECTION

Fifteen trials were identified from four databases. We conducted an analysis of effects on aerobic exercise capacity, performed on either a treadmill or a bicycle ergometer, muscle strength assessed by a dynamometer, and muscle mass assessed by computerized tomography.

RESULTS

The total number of patients included was 306 and the duration of treatment ranged from 3 to 12 months. GH replacement significantly increased aerobic exercise capacity [8.9 ± 0.8%, (P < 0.001)] including VO(2) max [0.17 ± 0.02 l/min (P < 0.001)], as well as muscle volume [7.1 ± 1.6%, (P < 0.001)]. In contrast, muscle strength measured in 113 patients was not significantly increased [3.2 ± 2.2% (P = 0.15)].

CONCLUSION

GH replacement in GH-deficient adults is associated with a significant positive effect on aerobic exercise capacity and muscle mass.

Assessment of quality of life in adult patients with GH deficiency: KIMS contribution to clinical practice and pharmacoeconomic evaluations

Quality of life (QoL) has emerged as an important construct that has found numerous applications across healthcare-related fields, ranging from research and clinical evaluation of treatment effects to pharmacoeconomic evaluations and global healthcare policy. Impairment of QoL is one of the key clinical characteristics in adult GHD and has been extensively studied in the Pfizer International Metabolic Database (KIMS). We provide summarized evidence on GH treatment effects for both clinical and health economic applications based on the KIMS data. The primary focus is on those aspects of QoL research that cannot be investigated in the traditional clinical trial setting, such as specific patient subgroups, cross-country comparisons and long-term follow-up. First, the impact of age, gender, disease onset, primary aetiology, extent of hypopituitarism, previous radiotherapy and obesity on QoL before and during long-term GH replacement is discussed. Secondly, the studies on QoL in relation to country-specific normative values are reviewed. Finally, health economic data derived from KIMS including both burden of disease and utility assessment are evaluated. We conclude that the wide spectrum of analyses performed on the KIMS data allows for practical application of the results not only to research and clinical practice but also to health policy and global medical decision making.

Ten years of growth hormone (GH) replacement normalizes muscle strength in GH-deficient adults

CONTEXT

GH replacement for 1-5 yr improves, but does not fully normalize, muscle strength. OBJECTIVE, DESIGN, AND PATIENTS: In this single-center, open-labeled, prospective study, the effects of 10 yr of GH replacement on muscle strength and neuromuscular function were followed in 109 consecutive adults (61 men; mean age 50.0 yr; range 22-74 yr) with adult-onset GH deficiency.

RESULTS

The mean initial GH dose of 0.88 mg/d was gradually lowered to 0.47 mg/d. The mean IGF-I sd score increased from -1.54 at baseline to 1.12 at study end. GH replacement induced a sustained increase in lean mass and isometric knee flexor strength (60 degrees). In most other measures of upper leg and handgrip strength, there were transient increases during the first half of the study (0-5 yr), whereas during the second half (5-10 yr), the absolute values of muscle strength decreased and returned to or even below the baseline values. However, after correction for age and gender using observed/predicted value ratios, there were sustained and, until 7 yr, even progressive increases in the measures of muscle strength. At study end, knee flexor strength had increased to 104-110% of predicted, knee extensor strength to 93-108%, and handgrip strength to 88-93%. Measurements of neuromuscular function showed reduced voluntary motor unit activation after 10 yr.

CONCLUSIONS

Ten years of GH replacement therapy increased muscle strength during the first half of the study and thereafter partly protected against the normal age-related decline in muscle strength and neuromuscular function, resulting in approximately normalized muscle strength after 10 yr.

Effects of 5 years of growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy on cardiac parameters and physical performance in adults with GH deficiency

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 5 years of GH substitution on cardiac structure and function, physical work capacity and blood pressure levels in adults with GH deficiency (GHD). Fourteen patients were clinically assessed every 3 months for 5 years. Transthoracic echocardiography and exercise test were performed at baseline, 24, 48 and 60 months. Blood pressure (BP) was measured by means of ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure at baseline, 6, 12, 24 and 60 months. Left ventricular mass and its index increased progressively during the 5 years of GH substitution (P = 0.008 and 0.007, respectively). There were no significant changes in all others cardiac parameters evaluated. It was observed a significant improve in functional capacity (P < 0.001) and maximal oxygen uptake (P = 0.006) during the treatment. Diurnal systolic BP increased by 15 mmHg (P = 0.024) and diurnal diastolic BP by 4.5 mmHg (P = 0.037). There was no change in dirnal systolic pressure load but a considerable but non-statistically significant reduction in diurnal diastolic pressure load was observed during the study. During the night diastolic BP increased by 4 mmHg (P = 0.012) despite a substantial but non-statistically significant reduction in diastolic pressure load. We observed an increase in the proportion of persons with a non-physiological nocturnal fall (non-dippers) throughout the study (from 36.4% at baseline to 54.6% after 60 months of therapy). We concluded that 5 years of GH replacement promoted positive effects on exercise capacity and maximum oxygen uptake in spite of a modest increase in BP levels and left ventricular mass. Continuous monitoring is mandatory to arrive at further conclusions concerning the effects of GH substitution in adults on cardiovascular parameters with respect to possible unfavorable long term effects.

Growth hormone and changes in energy balance in growth hormone deficient adults

BACKGROUND

Adults with growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) have an adverse body composition with an increased prevalence of obesity. It is not known whether growth hormone replacement (GHR) results in alterations in energy intake (EI) and/or energy expenditure (EE). The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of GHR on EI and EE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nineteen hypopituitary adults (14 males, 5 females, mean age 46.2 years) with severe GHD (peak GH response to glucagon <or= 9 mU L(-1)) were studied. All patients self-injected recombinant human GH starting with 0.3 mg s.c. daily. The following were measured before and following 6 months of stable maintenance of GHR: food intake during a test meal, appetite ratings, resting EE (indirect calorimetry) and voluntary physical activity (accelerometry).

RESULTS

GHR nearly doubled voluntary physical activity (mean activity units 3319 vs. 1881, P = 0.007) and improved quality of life score (mean score 9.1 vs. 16.5, P < 0.0001). Subjects reported higher fasting hunger ratings (mean 64.8 vs. 49.6, P = 0.02) but ad libitum energy intake remained unchanged. Eating behavioural traits were favourably altered with lower disinhibition (mean 6.0 vs. 7.2, P = 0.02) and lower susceptibility to hunger ratings (4.6 vs. 6.8, P = 0.001) after GHR. Additionally, GHR did not result in significant changes in resting EE, body weight and body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

GHR in AGHD significantly improves voluntary physical activity and quality of life. Following GHR, subjects experience greater 'state' (physiological) hunger, reductions in eating disinhibition and hunger susceptibility, but no effects on calorie intake or macronutrient choice were detected.

A six-month randomized controlled trial of exercise and pyridostigmine in the treatment of fibromyalgia

OBJECTIVE

A subset of fibromyalgia (FM) patients have a dysfunctional hypothalamic-pituitary-insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis, as evidenced by low serum levels of IGF-1 and a reduced growth hormone (GH) response to physiologic stimuli. There is evidence that pyridostigmine (PYD) improves the acute response of GH to exercise in FM patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of 6 months of PYD and group exercise on FM symptoms.

METHODS

FM patients were randomized to 1 of the following 4 groups: PYD plus exercise, PYD plus diet recall but no exercise, placebo plus exercise, and placebo plus diet recall but no exercise. The primary outcome measures were the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, tender point count, and total myalgic score. Secondary outcome measures were the total score on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and FIQ VAS scores for individual symptoms (fatigue, poor sleep, stiffness, and anxiety), as well as quality of life (QOL) and physical fitness (lower body strength/endurance, upper and lower body flexibility, balance, and time on the treadmill).

RESULTS

A total of 165 FM patients completed baseline measurements; 154 (93.3%) completed the study. The combination of PYD and exercise did not improve pain scores. PYD groups showed a significant improvement in sleep and anxiety in those who completed the study and in QOL in those who complied with the therapeutic regimen as compared with the placebo groups. Compared with the nonexercise groups, the 2 exercise groups demonstrated improvement in fatigue and fitness. PYD was generally well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Neither the combination of PYD plus supervised exercise nor either treatment alone yielded improvement in most FM symptoms. However, PYD did improve anxiety and sleep, and exercise improved fatigue and fitness. We speculate that PYD may have improved vagal tone, thus benefiting sleep and anxiety; this notion warrants further study.

Management of growth hormone deficiency in adults

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency in adults is a recognised clinical entity. There is still, however, an ongoing debate of the clinical need and the importance of replacing GH in adults with severe GH deficiency. This review will focus on the overall management of adults with GH deficiency and highlight published data on dose management and treatment goals for various age groups. The efficacy data on quality of life and well-being is discussed and available and growing experience on long-term effects of GH replacement in adults and safety in terms of diabetes mellitus, pituitary tumour recurrence/regrowth and malignancy risk will be reviewed.

Growth Hormone Perturbations in Fibromyalgia: A Review

OBJECTIVE

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by chronic widespread pain, fatigue, disrupted sleep, depression, and physical deconditioning. In this article, we review the literature on the normal activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 (HP-GH-IGF-1) axis and its perturbations in FM subjects.

METHODS

Studies included in this review were accessed through an English language search of Cochrane Collaboration Reviews. Keyword MeSH terms included "fibromyalgia," "growth hormone" (GH), or "insulin-like growth factor-1" (IGF-1).

RESULTS

Twenty-six studies enrolling 2006 subjects were reviewed. Overall, low levels of IGF-1 were found in a subgroup of subjects. Growth hormone stimulation tests often revealed a suboptimal response, which did not always correlate with IGF-1 levels. No consistent defects in pituitary function were found. Of the 3 randomized placebo controlled studies, only 9 months of daily injectable recombinant GH reduced FM symptoms and normalized IGF-1.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies suggest that pituitary function is normal in FM and that reported changes in the HP-GH-IGF-1 axis are most likely hypothalamic in origin. The therapeutic efficacy of supplemental GH therapy in FM requires further study before any solid recommendations can be made.

The influence of growth hormone status on physical impairments, functional limitations, and health-related quality of life in adults

The availability of recombinant human GH and somatostatin analogs has resulted in widespread treatment for adults with GH deficiency (GHD) and those with GH excess (acromegaly). Despite being at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of their GH/IGF-I axis, both of these populations experience overlapping somatic impairments. Adults with untreated GHD have low circulating levels of IGF-I that manifest as altered body composition with increased fat and reduced lean body and skeletal muscle mass. At the other end of the spectrum, adults with GH excess, who have elevated levels of IGF-I, also have altered body composition. Impairments that result from disorders of either GHD or GH excess are both associated with increased functional limitations, such as reduced ability to walk quickly for prolonged periods, and poorer health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). Adults with untreated GHD and GH excess both commonly complain of excessive fatigue that seems to be associated more with impaired aerobic than muscular performance. Several studies have documented that administration of GH or somatostatin analogs to adults with GHD or GH excess, respectively, ameliorates abnormal biochemical profile and the associated somatic impairments. However, whether these improvements translate into improved physical function in adults with GHD or GH excess remains largely unknown, and their impact on HR-QoL controversial. Review of placebo-controlled trials to date suggests that GH and somatostatin analogs have greater effects on gas exchange and aerobic performance than as anabolic agents on skeletal muscle mass and function. Future investigations should include dose-response studies to establish the optimal combination of pharmacological agents plus exercise required to improve not only biochemical markers but also physical function and HR-QoL in adults with GHD or GH excess.

Safety and efficacy of growth hormone replacement therapy in adults

Limitless supplies of recombinant human growth hormone (GH) have been available for the last 20 years. During that period, studies have characterised the effects of GH deficiency in adults and the benefits of GH replacement therapy. Areas of greatest impairment and benefit are quality of life, skeletal health and cardiovascular risk factors including the serum lipid profile and body composition. By optimising GH replacement therapy at various stages of adult life, it is hoped that it will prevent the development of osteoporosis and reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with hypopituitarism. However, the primary indication for GH therapy in adults in England and Wales is quality of life. The benefits of GH treatment are sustained over several years, and long-term surveillance of patients continues.

Differential effect sizes of growth hormone replacement on Quality of Life, well-being and health status in growth hormone deficient patients: a meta-analysis

Background

Patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) frequently report to suffer from an impaired Quality of Life (QoL) and growth hormone (GH) substitution is found to improve this. However, the same test may be used for measuring QoL, well-being or health status in different studies. QoL has been defined as the subjective appraisal of one's current life based primarily on psychological function. The most important in the appraisal of well-being is mental function and concerning health status patients evaluate physical function as most important. To differentiate the effects of GH replacement on psychological variables in patients with GHD we carried out a number of meta-analyses, classifying questionnaires into instruments measuring QoL, psychological well-being and health status.

Methods

We searched the electronic databases PUBMED and PiCarta from 1985 to 2004. Studies were included that evaluated the effect of GH on patient-reported outcomes in adults with GHD (aged 18 years and above). According to generally accepted definitions we classified the questionnaires as instruments measuring QoL, well-being and health status. By means of meta-analyses the average effect size (d) for QoL, well-being and health status was calculated.

Results and Discussion

Based on open studies GH replacement is found to improve QoL with a small effect size (d = 0.18), well-being with a medium effect size (d = 0.47) and health status with a small effect size (d = 0.26). As the effect size of well-being is most pronounced the generally reported effects of GH replacement on QoL may be overestimated and actually reflect the effect on well-being.

Conclusion

To get more insight in the specific psychological effects of GH treatment it is recommended that instruments selected for these studies should be more consistently classified as instruments measuring QoL, well-being or health status.

Hodgkin lymphoma in temporal association with growth hormone replacement

The association between growth hormone (GH) replacement and malignancy has long been debated. We report a case of Hodgkin lymphoma that developed in temporal association with the initiation of GH replacement in a 57-year-old woman with panhypopituitarism secondary to a non-secretory pituitary macroadenoma. Treatment of her pituitary tumor included transphenoidal surgery, external beam radiation, Bromocriptine and Cabergaline therapy. In addition to replacement steroid, thyroid and sex hormones, she insisted on GH replacement. Approximately 2 years after GH initiation, the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma was made. Although the exact contribution of GH to the development of Hodgkin disease in our patient is unclear and a causal effect cannot be concluded, the temporal association is suggestive, and warrants reporting as part of ongoing surveillance for potential complications of GH replacement.

Quality of life assessment of growth hormone deficiency in adults (QoL-AGHDA): comparison of normative reference data for the general population of England and Wales with results for adult hypopituitary patients with growth hormone deficiency

BACKGROUND/AIM

Age- and gender-specific reference values for the quality of life (QoL) measures used in assessing the impact of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) are important. The objective of this study was to develop such data for the QoL-AGHDA instrument for the population of England and Wales and to demonstrate the QoL deficit in patients with GHD.

METHODS

For the purpose of this study, a questionnaire was developed that contained the EurQoL EQ-5D, QoL-AGHDA, questions recording an individual's general situation and social functioning, and a self-reported five-point rating scale of general health. The questionnaire was mailed out to a sample of 1,190 individuals drawn from the general population of England and Wales. Corresponding data for 836 patients were retrieved from KIMS (Pfizer International Metabolic Database). The postal survey data were weighted to ensure that they were representative of the general population.

RESULTS

The mean weighted QoL-AGHDA scores for the general population were 6.2 and 7.1 for men and women, respectively, compared with 13.6 and 15.7 for patients. For both males and females the differences in mean QoL-AGHDA scores between the general population and patients were statistically significant for all age categories (p < 0.01). In the general population the mean QoL-AGHDA score for each category of self-assessed health status increased progressively, indicating a poorer QoL as health status declined.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports QoL-AGHDA normative values for the population of England and Wales and confirms the extent of QoL impairment in patients with GHD in comparison with the general population.

Limited efficacy of growth hormone (GH) during transition of GH-deficient patients from adolescence to adulthood: a phase III multicenter, double-blind, randomized two-year trial

CONTEXT

Treatment of GH-deficient adolescents in transition to adulthood remains challenging.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to assess the safety and efficacy of GH in GH-deficient adolescents in transition.

PATIENTS

Fifty-eight GH-deficient adolescents (mean age, 15.8 +/- 1.8 yr; 33 males) at near completion of their linear growth participated in the study.

INTERVENTION

Baseline studies were done while subjects were on GH. Subjects were retested (insulin-induced hypoglycemia) 4 wk after GH discontinuation and reclassified as persistently GH-deficient or controls (n = 18). GH-deficient subjects were randomized to GH (n = 25, approximately 20 microg/kg.d) or placebo (n = 15).

SETTING

The multicenter study was conducted over a 2-yr period.

MAIN OUTCOMES

Changes in body composition, bone mineral density (BMD), quality of life (QOL), cardiovascular and metabolic markers were measured.

RESULTS

All groups had normal measures of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, body composition, BMD, cardiac function, muscle strength, and QOL at baseline and after 2 yr. IGF-I concentrations decreased in all, but less so in the GH-group (P = 0.013). There was a greater increase in lean body mass (lesser adiposity) in the GH group than placebo at 12 months, but not at 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS

1) GH-deficient patients properly treated in childhood can have normal BMD, body composition, cardiac function, muscle strength, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and QOL when reaching adult height; and 2) continuation of GH therapy for 2 yr did not change these measures as compared to placebo-treated or control subjects. GH-deficient adolescents in good metabolic status at the time of epiphyseal fusion may safely discontinue GH for at least 2 yr. Follow-up is needed to determine whether GH therapy is eventually warranted in subjects treated with GH during childhood.

Cost-effectiveness of proton radiation in the treatment of childhood medulloblastoma

BACKGROUND

Radiation therapy is an important component in the treatment of medulloblastoma; however, in many patients, it is associated with risk of late adverse events. Proton radiation therapy has potential to reduce the risk of adverse events compared with conventional radiation, but it is associated with a higher treatment cost. The objective of the current study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of proton therapy compared with conventional radiation therapy in the treatment of childhood medulloblastoma.

METHODS

The consequences of radiation therapy were evaluated using a Markov simulation model. Children age 5 years with medulloblastoma were followed. The patients were at risk of several types of adverse events, including hearing loss, intelligence quotient (IQ) loss, hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiency (GHD), osteoporosis, cardiac disease, and secondary malignancies. The patients also were at risk of death and were divided into risk groups for normal death, death due to tumor recurrence, treatment-related cardiac death, treatment-related subsequent tumor death, or treatment-related other death. A review of the literature was conducted to estimate the parameters in the model.

RESULTS

The base-case results showed that proton therapy was associated with 23,600 in cost savings and 0.68 additional quality-adjusted life-years per patient. The analyses showed that reductions in IQ loss and GHD contributed to the greatest part of the cost savings and were the most important parameters for cost-effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study indicated that proton radiation therapy can be cost-effective and cost-saving compared with conventional radiation therapy in the treatment of children with medulloblastoma if the appropriate patients are selected for the therapy. However, there have been few long-term follow-up studies, and more much information on the long-term consequences of radiation therapy is needed.

The influence of growth hormone (GH) substitution on patient-reported outcomes and cognitive functions in GH-deficient patients: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The influence of growth hormone (GH) replacement on patient-reported outcomes (i.e., quality of life, health status and well-being) and cognitive functioning in GH-deficient adults is controversial.

DESIGN

We carried out a meta-analysis of clinical trials concerning the influence of GH substitution on patient-reported outcomes and cognitive functions (studies were selected from 1985 to 2004). The results of individual studies were combined in a series of meta-analyses using a random effects model. Effects of GH replacement in GH-deficient adults were compared to baseline and/or placebo.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies on GH and patient-reported outcomes were included (830 patients, follow-up 3-50 months). Four of these studies also provided data on cognitive functions (85 patients, follow-up 6-12 months). Relative to baseline, GH treatment is found to have a large effect on patient-reported outcomes at 3 months, a medium effect at 6 months and a small effect at 12 months. With respect to the median treatment duration of 6 months placebo appears to be as effective as GH substitution. Cognitive functioning does not improve after 6 months of GH substitution, relative to baseline.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis provides no evidence that GH improves patient-reported outcomes in GH-deficient patients. As the amount of cognitive data was too limited to allow for comparisons with placebo, from the present meta-analysis no conclusions can be drawn with respect to the impact of GH treatment on cognition.

The effects of five-year growth hormone replacement therapy on muscle strength in elderly hypopituitary patients

OBJECTIVE

Little is known of the long-term effects of GH replacement therapy on muscle strength in elderly adults with adult onset GH deficiency (GHD). In this study, the effects of 5 years of GH replacement therapy on muscle function were determined in adults over 60 years of age with adult onset GHD.

DESIGN

A prospective, open-label, single-centre study. Patients Twenty-six (12 male and 14 female) consecutive hypopituitary adults with adult onset GHD, mean age 65.0 (range 61-74) years.

MEASUREMENTS

Upper leg muscle strength was measured using a Kin-Com dynamometer. Right and left handgrip strength were measured using an electronic grip force instrument.

RESULTS

The mean insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) SD score increased from -1.10 at baseline to 1.21 at end of the study. Body weight was unchanged during the 5-year study. A sustained increase in lean body mass and a sustained reduction of body fat was observed as measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The GH replacement therapy induced a sustained increase in isometric (60 degrees ) knee flexor strength. After statistical correction for age and sex variables using observed/predicted value ratios, a sustained increase was also observed in concentric knee flexor strength at an angular velocity of 60 degrees /s, concentric knee extensor strength at 60 degrees /s and 180 degrees /s, and peak right handgrip strength. At baseline, knee flexor strength was 90-96% of predicted, knee extensor strength was 85-87% of predicted, and hand-grip strength was 74-80% of predicted values. At study end, knee flexor strength was 98-106% of predicted, knee extensor strength was 90-100% of predicted, and hand-grip strength was 80-87% of predicted values.

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients with adult onset GH deficiency had decreased baseline muscle strength also after correction for age and sex. The 5-year GH replacement therapy normalized knee flexor strength and improved, but did not fully normalize, knee extensor strength and handgrip strength.

Le questionnaire de qualité de vie QLS-H© : validation de la version française chez les patients avec déficit en hormone de croissance et acquisition des valeurs de référence dans la population générale

The QLS-H(c) (Questions on Life Satisfaction- Hypopituitarism) is new a quality of life (QoL) self-administered questionnaire addressing the complaints of adult patients with growth hormone deficiency. The French version of the QLS-H(c) (16 items) has been psychometrically evaluated during a randomized, open label study comparing two strategies of growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy. Seventy-three patients were included and received an 8-month GH replacement therapy. QoL was explored at baseline, 4 and 8 months using the QLS-H(c) questionnaire and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) reference scale. Acceptance of the QLS-H(c) was excellent as 92% of the questionnaires were suitable for analysis. All the items demonstrated good selectivity. The homogeneity of the questionnaire was confirmed (Cronbach's alpha, 0.87). The external validity construct was assessed and confirmed using the NHP scores. Sensitivity to change was confirmed. Following an 8-month replacement therapy, the perception of the QoL assessed with the QLS-H(c) questionnaire was significantly improved, irrespective to the treatment strategy. Finally, redundant items of the questionnaire were removed. As a result, the final version of the QLS-H(c) contained 9 items. In a parallel study, reference data of the QLS-H(c) (9 items) were collected from a representative sample of 989 subjects from the French population. With these reference ranges, algorithms to calculate Z scores adjusted for age and gender were developed as a measure for the deviation of patients' scores from those of the general population, and also to evaluate changes along time. In summary, the French version of the quality of life QLS-H(c) questionnaire is a relevant, validated investigational tool for the evaluation and follow-up of an adult patient with growth hormone deficiency.

Growth hormone and exercise tolerance in patients with cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting inherited disorder characterised by pulmonary disease, pancreatic dysfunction and symptoms of malnutrition that are all interrelated with low exercise capacity and poor survival rate. Therapy with growth hormone (GH) may improve the reduced dimensional and functional capacity associated with poor nutritional status and catabolism and therefore improve exercise tolerance, quality of life and survival rate in patients with CF. The literature about GH treatment and its effect on exercise tolerance are rather limited, not always consistent and methodological concerns restrict further analysis. GH treatment may have beneficial effects on both growth and exercise tolerance without serious complications in prepubertal children with CF. The observed dimensional changes of the muscular, cardiovascular and pulmonary system seem to improve aerobic exercise capacity and respiratory and peripheral muscle strength. The physiological background of the observed changes is not yet fully understood, therefore, larger-scale studies with an optimised design are required.

Growth hormone therapy and quality of life in adults and children

A fundamental goal of growth hormone (GH) treatment for both adults and children is improvement in quality of life (QOL). Assessments of the therapeutic role of GH depend on its effectiveness in meeting this and other goals (including improved metabolic status in adults and improved growth in children) in relation to economic parameters. However, there are difficulties in interpreting data on GH treatment and QOL. These include controversy about appropriate definitions and measures for assessing QOL, disease adaptation, comorbid conditions, and potential patient selection bias. In GH-deficient adults who have completed linear growth, there is considerable evidence that GH exerts effects on body composition, serum lipids, and bone and mineral density. Several controlled trials have also examined the effect of GH treatment on QOL in GH-deficient adults. They generally indicate improvement in QOL with GH treatment, although there are inconsistencies in the data. Caveats include differing outcome measures and instruments, instruments that are not disease specific, variation in characteristics of patient samples and treatment protocols, evidence of a placebo effect, and some inconsistency among results. Open-label trials in adults also suggest improvement in QOL with GH treatment, although interpretation is limited by potential placebo effects and patient self-selection. Studies in children have generally addressed psychological status, and relatively few specifically focus on QOL. In children with classical GH deficiency, it is intuitive that GH treatment will improve QOL, although hard data are lacking. In children with idiopathic short stature, evidence for improved QOL as a result of GH treatment is not well developed. Translating changes in QOL, together with physiological and metabolic benefits, into economic cost-benefit or cost-effectiveness analyses are needed. In doing so, it will be important to consider subgroups of patients who may derive differential benefit from GH treatment. These analyses are central to the development of a framework for research, decision making, and policy for GH treatment.

Psychological effects of withdrawal of growth hormone therapy from adults with growth hormone deficiency

OBJECTIVE

Growth hormone (GH) is known to be required for physical well-being. Although it is also widely believed to be important for quality of life (QoL) and psychological health, there is less supportive evidence. The objective of this study was to investigate the psychological effects of discontinuation of GH replacement from adults with severe GH deficiency (GHD).

DESIGN

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which GH replacement therapy was discontinued for 3 months from 12 of 21 GH-deficient adults, where nine continued with GH replacement.

PATIENTS

GH-treated adults (10 men, 11 women), all with severe GHD (peak GH < 7.7 mU/l on provocative testing), mean age 44.9 years (range 25-68 years).

MEASUREMENTS

Semi-structured interviews were given at baseline and end-point plus questionnaires that included a new hormone-deficiency specific, individualized, QoL questionnaire (HDQoL), the General Well-being Index (GWBI), the Well-being Questionnaire (W-BQ12), the Short-Form 36 health status questionnaire (SF-36), the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ).

RESULTS

Three months after baseline the serum total IGF-I of placebo-treated patients fell from normal, age-related levels (mean 26.6 +/- 13.2 nmol/l) to levels indicative of severe GHD (11.6 +/- 6.6 nmol/l) (P<0.001). Psychological symptoms of GH withdrawal, reported in interviews at end-point by placebo-treated patients, included decreased energy, and increased tiredness, pain, irritability and depression. Patients who believed they knew which treatment they had received correctly identified the treatment (GH or placebo) at end-point (chi2=11.25, P<0.01). Significant between-treatment-group differences in change scores were found for SF-36 General Health (P<0.01), W-BQ12 Energy (P<0.01) and HDQoL do physically (P<0.05), indicating reduced general health, reduced energy and greater perceived impact of hormone deficiency on physical capabilities in the placebo-treated group at end-point relative to GH-treated patients.

CONCLUSION

Withdrawal of GH treatment from adults with severe GH deficiency has detrimental psychological effects.

Decreased quality of life in adult patients with growth hormone deficiency compared with general populations using the new, validated, self-weighted questionnaire, questions on life satisfaction hypopituitarism module

To develop reference ranges for the Questions on Life Satisfaction Hypopituitarism Module (QLS-H), a new quality of life questionnaire for patients with hypopituitarism, data from 8177 adults were collected in France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States QLS-H scores declined with age, were lower in females than males, and differed significantly among countries. From these reference ranges we derived equations for z-scores, which adjust for age, gender, and country. QLS-H results from 957 adults with GH deficiency (GHD) participating in clinical trials were analyzed. At baseline, QLS-H scores were lower in females and differed significantly among countries. QLS-H scores significantly increased after GH treatment (6-8 months), but differences by country persisted. Calculating z-scores for patients eliminated all gender and most country differences. Pooled z-scores (mean +/- SD) from all patients increased from -0.99 +/- 1.39 at baseline to -0.14 +/- 1.30 after GH treatment. Quality of life assessment in adults with GHD requires the use of z-scores to correct for age, gender, and country differences. This approach allows pooling of data from different cohorts and comparison with general populations. QLS-H scores in adults with GHD were significantly decreased at baseline and were almost normalized after 6-8 months of GH therapy.

Effects of GH and insulin-like growth factor-I on body composition

In this review, different methods to estimate body composition are discussed shortly. The effects by GH on total and visceral fat mass, lean mass, muscle strength and body water are described. Gender differences in the sensitivity to GH administration are reviewed. Finally, a short description of the effects of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) administration on body composition has been included.

Assessment of quality of life in adults receiving long-term growth hormone replacement compared to control subjects

OBJECTIVE

There are few studies of quality of life (QOL) in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) compared to matched control populations without GHD. These have shown impairments in a variety of QOL measures, which improve but do not normalize after short-term replacement with GH. There is little information on QOL in long-term treated GHD patients compared with controls without GHD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 120 adults with GHD who had received GH replacement for at least 1 year were identified from the neuroendocrine clinic. Patients were asked to complete eight QOL questionnaires and an Energy Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results were compared with 83 control subjects without GHD from the local population who agreed to complete seven of the QOL questionnaires (excluding Disease Impact scale) and the energy VAS. The eight questionnaires were a combination of generic and disease-specific questionnaires used to assess health related QOL, namely: Short Form-36 (SF-36), Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Disease Impact, Life Fulfilment and Satisfaction scales, Mental Fatigue Questionnaire (MFQ) and Self Esteem scale, Hospital Anxiety Depression (HAD) scale and QOL-AGHDA (assessment of GHD in adults).

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients returned questionnaires and 85 (71%) had complete data for analysis. The mean (SD) duration of GH replacement was 36.0 +/- 26.4 (range 13-159) months. Mean age was 43.9 +/- 15.8 years (37 males) in treated GHD patients compared to a mean age 41.7 +/- 10.5 years (32 males) in the controls. Mean IGF-1 levels were 22.5 +/- 13.6 nmol/l in the GHD patients and the mean dose of GH replacement was 1.2 +/- 0.4 IU daily. Analysis of the QOL questionnaires from the GH treated patients revealed highly significant impairments in all measures (most P </= 0.0001, except life fulfilment-material, P = 0.33) compared to the control population.

CONCLUSIONS

This large population with treated GH deficiency have significant impairments in multiple aspects of QOL despite replacement with GH and other pituitary hormones for at least 1 year (mean 3 years). It is likely therefore that other factors in addition to GH deficiency must influence QOL in these patients. Further strategies to improve QOL in these individuals should therefore be considered, e.g. psychological support and treatments and physical treatments (such as exercise programmes).