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Stochholm K, Kiess W. Long-term safety of growth hormone-A combined registry analysis. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2018; 88:515-528. [PMID: 29055168 DOI: 10.1111/cen.13502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Preliminary data from the French cohort of the Safety and Appropriateness of Growth hormone treatments in Europe (SAGhE) study raised concerns regarding the safety of recombinant human GH, suggesting that GH may increase mortality and incidence of stroke in patients treated during childhood for GH deficiency or short stature. We evaluated published safety data, focusing on mortality, neoplasms, cerebrovascular events and diabetes across a number of large-scale pharmaceutical company GH registries. DESIGN A literature review was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar to identify all relevant safety data from manufacturers' GH registries published between 1988 and April 2016. Results were hand-sorted to exclude nonrelevant publications; bibliographic references from retrieved articles were evaluated for any additional references. RESULTS The published data do not support an increased risk of mortality in children or adults treated with GH. There was no evidence of an increased risk of stroke, new malignancy, leukaemia, nonleukaemic extracranial tumours or recurrence of intracranial malignancy in patients without risk factors. The risk of a second neoplasm is increased, particularly if patients have received radiation therapy for a central nervous system tumour. There may be an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in GH-treated patients, but this appears to be confined to those with pre-existing risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Patients with risk factors for malignancy or type 2 diabetes should be treated with caution and monitored during follow-up, but current published data provide reassurance on the long-term safety profile of GH in patients receiving GH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstine Stochholm
- Department of Internal Medicine and Diabetes, Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Pediatrics, Center of Rare Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Wieland Kiess
- Department of Women and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University Hospitals, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the literature with regard to mortality in patients with hypopituitarism with a focus on the role of growth hormone (GH) deficiency and therapy. RECENT FINDINGS Mortality is increased in hypopituitarism, particularly in female patients. In recent years mortality rates appear to be trending downwards towards that of the general population. Recent studies from retrospective or postmarketing surveillance studies have suggested that patients who receive GH therapy may not have increased mortality. Recent studies regarding mortality in paediatric patients treated with GH are conflicting and this area needs further study. SUMMARY There are several important limitations of available data regarding mortality in hypopituitarism and even more so in the impact of GH therapy, which need to be taken into account when interpreting the available data. The data regarding mortality in patients treated with GH as children is an area of much debate and will need further studies to clarify, given the conflicting reports in recent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sherlock
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Birmingham, Birmingham,
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van Bunderen CC, van Nieuwpoort IC, Arwert LI, Heymans MW, Franken AAM, Koppeschaar HPF, van der Lely AJ, Drent ML. Does growth hormone replacement therapy reduce mortality in adults with growth hormone deficiency? Data from the Dutch National Registry of Growth Hormone Treatment in adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011; 96:3151-9. [PMID: 21849531 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2011-1215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Adults with GH deficiency (GHD) have a decreased life expectancy. The effect of GH treatment on mortality remains to be established. OBJECTIVE This nationwide cohort study investigates the effect of GH treatment on all-cause and cause-specific mortality and analyzes patient characteristics influencing mortality in GHD adults. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Patients in the Dutch National Registry of Growth Hormone Treatment in Adults were retrospectively monitored (1985-2009) and subdivided into treatment (n = 2229), primary (untreated, n = 109), and secondary control (partly treated, n = 356) groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated for all-cause, malignancy, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Expected mortality was obtained from cause, sex, calendar year, and age-specific death rates from national death and population counts. RESULTS In the treatment group, 95 patients died compared to 74.6 expected [SMR 1.27 (95% confidence interval, 1.04-1.56)]. Mortality was higher in women than in men. After exclusion of high-risk patients, the SMR for CVD mortality remained increased in women. Mortality due to malignancies was not elevated. In the control groups mortality was not different from the background population. Univariate analyses demonstrated sex, GHD onset, age, and underlying diagnosis as influencing factors. CONCLUSIONS GHD men receiving GH treatment have a mortality rate not different from the background population. In women, after exclusion of high-risk patients, mortality was not different from the background population except for CVD. Mortality due to malignancies was not elevated in adults receiving GH treatment. Next to gender, the heterogeneous etiology is of influence on mortality in GHD adults with GH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa C van Bunderen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section Endocrinology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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4
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Abstract
The desire for a long life is deeply embedded in nearly all men. Fortunately life expectancy has remarkably increased over the past decades, on the other hand advancing age is frequently associated with a rise in morbidity. Above simply prolonging life there is a need to search for strategies to improve the quality of life in the elderly. Different substances to prevent premature aging, cancer and degenerative disorders appear to be promising candidates. Since it has been suggested that the decline of different hormones over the lifespan is closely related to the aging process replacement of these hormones may be a strategy against aging. Especially hormones like growth hormone, DHEA, testosterone and melatonin were considered as anti-aging agents. This review is focusing on the theoretical background and the previously known effects of different hormones to slow aging processes. Despite some promising results in a variety of studies conducted over the past years presently available data do not justify the broad use of hormones for anti-aging purposes. However, although no single hormone can be recognized as a 'rejuvenating' and life extending agent, some of their actions may be beneficial for the aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Heutling
- Klinik für Nephrologie und Hochdruckkrankheiten, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Deutschland
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Götherström G, Bengtsson BA, Bosaeus I, Johannsson G, Svensson J. A 10-year, prospective study of the metabolic effects of growth hormone replacement in adults. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007; 92:1442-5. [PMID: 17284638 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2006-1487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Only a few studies have investigated the effects of GH replacement in adults for more than 5 yr. OBJECTIVE/DESIGN/PATIENTS In a prospective, open-label, single-center study, the effects of 10-yr GH replacement were determined. Eighty-seven consecutive patients (52 men and 35 women), with a mean age of 44.1 (range 22-74) yr with adult-onset GH deficiency (GHD) were included. RESULTS The initial mean dose of GH (0.98 mg/d) was reduced during the study and at yr 10 was 0.47 mg/d. The mean IGF-I sd score increased from -1.81 at baseline to 1.29 at study end. The absolute reduction in total body fat was transient. However, after correction for age and sex using a four-compartment model, the reduction in body fat was sustained during the 10-yr study period. There was a sustained improvement in serum lipid profile and after 10 yr, and blood glycosylated hemoglobin level was reduced. The treatment responses in IGF-I sd score, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and body composition as measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were more marked in men, whereas women had a more marked reduction in blood glycosylated hemoglobin level. CONCLUSION The effect on the absolute amount of body fat was seen early and was transient, which could be due to the normal aging of the patients. The effects on metabolic indices were detected later, but they were sustained and even progressive throughout the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Götherström
- Research Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Clinical Nutrition, Gröna Stråket 8, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45 Göteborg, Sweden.
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Burger AG, Monson JP, Colao AM, Klibanski A. Cardiovascular risk in patients with growth hormone deficiency: effects of growth hormone substitution. Endocr Pract 2007; 12:682-9. [PMID: 17229667 DOI: 10.4158/ep.12.6.682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the literature on the increased cardiovascular risk in patients with growth hormone (GH) deficiency and the positive effects of GH replacement. METHODS We analyze the factors that contribute to cardiovascular risk in GH deficiency, including body composition and lipid profile, and summarize GH treatment strategies and results described in the literature. RESULTS The prominent clinical finding in patients with GH deficiency is the increased abdominal fat, even in patients with normal weight. Cardiac ejection volume tends to be decreased, and arterial distensibility is diminished. The lipid status is also worsened, accompanied by increased inflammatory markers, such as highly sensitive C-reactive protein. Typically, GH treatment reduces visceral fat and increases muscle mass, changes that diminish cardiovascular risk. Because of direct effects as well as increased hemodynamic performance and increased blood volume, cardiac performance is improved. With GH therapy, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels decrease by 10% to 20%, and inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein decline. Carbohydrate metabolism during moderate to long-term treatment is minimally affected, although obese patients with GH deficiency on rare occasion may have hyperglycemia or even diabetes. CONCLUSION The relevance of the beneficial effects of GH on the cardiovascular system is strongly suggested but not fully proved. The results in a large cohort of GH-treated patients (the KIMS or Pharmacia and Upjohn International Metabolic Surveillance database) demonstrated no difference in cardiovascular risk in comparison with that in a control population after a mean of 3 years of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert G Burger
- Department of Medicine, University of Geneva, Cologny (Geneva), Switzerland
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Gutiérrez LP, Kołtowska-Häggström M, Jönsson PJ, Mattsson AF, Svensson D, Westberg B, Luger A. Registries as a tool in evidence-based medicine: example of KIMS (Pfizer International Metabolic Database). Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2007; 17:90-102. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Toogood
- Division of Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK.
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10
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Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) is a powerful metabolic hormone that regulates fuel homeostasis through its protein anabolic and lipolytic actions. The introduction of recombinant human GH has expanded the narrow indication of treating children with severe GH deficiency (GHD) to include a broader target population of children with growth retardation and short stature and adults with hypopituitarism and severe GHD. Furthermore, because children continue to receive GH replacement therapy into adult life, the duration of treatment exposure has increased and the safety of long-term GH treatment has become increasingly important. This is of particular concern given that GH-deficient children and adults may be more vulnerable to the mitogenic stimuli of GH and insulin-like growth factor-1, both because of the underlying cause of GHD and also because of previous treatment such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This review focuses on the safety of treating adults with severe GHD, with specific emphasis on dose regimens, carbohydrate metabolism, neoplasia, and morbidity and mortality. Available experience from long-term replacement therapy, studies using supraphysiological doses of GH in adults and lessons learned from patients with acromegaly who have high endogenous GH levels over many years, is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Gibney
- Department of Endocrinology, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Abstract
The homeostatic corrections that have emerged in the course of human evolution to cope with catastrophic events involve a complex multisystem endeavor, of which the endocrine contribution is an integral component. Although the repertoire of endocrine changes has been probed in some detail, discerning the vulnerabilities and failure of this system is far more challenging. The ensuing endocrine topics illustrate some of the current issues reflecting attempts to gain an improved insight and clinical outcome for critical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Nylen
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, George Washington University School of Medicine, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 50 Irving St, NW, Rm GE246, Washington, DC 20422, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- P H Kann
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Philipps University Hospital Marburg, Baldingerstrasse, D-35033 Marburg, Germany
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Abstract
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in the adult has now been fully recognised as a clinical entity characterised by abnormal body composition, osteopenia, impaired quality of life, cardiac dysfunction and an adverse lipid profile. While short-term studies of GH replacement have demonstrated irrefutably a favourable effect on all if not most features of GHD, data on long-term administration spanning more than 2 years are still scarce. Experience of GH replacement up to 5 to 10 years indicate that the beneficial effects on body composition, predominantly a decrease in body fat and an increase in lean mass, is maintained during treatment. Long-term GH therapy also increases muscle strength and exercise performance. All data, with one exception, are consistent with a significant increase in bone mass during prolonged GH therapy. The most distinct effect on bone was observed in the worst affected individuals and in males. Improvement in quality of life is documented shortly after initiation of GH replacement and is maintained during long-term studies. This may explain the reduction in days of sick leave seen during GH therapy. The beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk factors is sustained over a prolonged period of time, revealing a reduction in intima wall thickness, and an improvement in serum lipid levels and clotting parameters. The increase in lipoprotein(a) levels with GH therapy in some studies may be disturbing, but difficulties in measuring this parameter and inconsistencies between the different studies makes it difficult to estimate its real impact. No data are yet available to show that GH replacement will normalise or even improve mortality rate and fracture rate. Adverse events associated with GH replacement therapy are mainly secondary to fluid retention as a result of excess dose administration. This can be adequately prevented by monitoring GH replacement according to serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels. From what is currently known, GH replacement does not increase the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, and does not induce new neoplasms or recurrence of the primary brain tumour; however, longer follow-up studies are needed to provide definitive answers. In conclusion, it appears not only that long-term GH replacement therapy in adults with GHD is a procedure that can be safely used, but that GH replacement should be considered as a possible life-long therapy in order to maintain its benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Verhelst
- Departments of Endocrinology, Middelheim Hospital and University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
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Svensson J, Johannson G. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Somatropin for Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 2:109-20. [PMID: 15871547 DOI: 10.2165/00024677-200302020-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The beneficial effects of somatropin (growth hormone [GH] replacement therapy) in adults are now established. Long-term somatropin administration in GH-deficient adults improves body composition, muscle strength, quality of life, bone mass and density, and lipoprotein pattern. The extent to which somatropin therapy can also reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in GH-deficient adults remains to be determined. By starting with a low dose of somatropin, which is gradually increased based on clinical response (body composition, well-being, and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration), effective treatment can be achieved with a minimum of fluid-related adverse effects. Thorough long-term monitoring of glucose metabolism, cardiovascular measurements, and underlying pituitary disease, is, however, mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Svensson
- Research Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Johannsson
- RCEM, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
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Wüster C, Abs R, Bengtsson BA, Bennmarker H, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Hernberg-Ståhl E, Monson JP, Westberg B, Wilton P. The influence of growth hormone deficiency, growth hormone replacement therapy, and other aspects of hypopituitarism on fracture rate and bone mineral density. J Bone Miner Res 2001; 16:398-405. [PMID: 11204440 DOI: 10.1359/jbmr.2001.16.2.398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 195] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
To assess the influence of factors affecting fracture risk and bone density in adult hypopituitary patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), data from a large-scale pharmacoepidemiological survey (the Pharmacia & Upjohn International Metabolic Database [KIMS]) were analyzed and compared with data from a control population (the European Vertebral Osteoporosis Study [EVOS]). The KIMS group consisted of 2084 patients (1112 men and 972 women) with various types of pituitary disease and EVOS consisted of 1176 individuals (581 men and 595 women). Fracture and bone mineral density (BMD) data were available from 2024 patients from the KIMS group and 392 patients from EVOS. The prevalence of fractures in patients with hypopituitarism was 2.66 times that in the non-GH-deficient EVOS population. Adult-onset hypopituitarism with GHD was associated with a higher fracture risk than childhood-onset disease, and patients with isolated GHD had a similar prevalence of fractures to those with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies. Hormonal replacement therapy with L-thyroxine, glucocorticoids, and sex steroids did not affect the risk of fracture in KIMS patients. In addition, fracture rates in KIMS were independent of body mass index (BMI) and the country of origin. However, smoking was associated with a higher fracture rate in this group. In summary, this is the first large-scale analysis to support the hypothesis of an increased fracture risk in adult patients with hypopituitarism and GHD. This increased risk appears to be attributable to GHD alone, rather than to other pituitary hormone deficiencies or to their replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wüster
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Medical Clinic, Heidelberg, Germany
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Abstract
Prolonged stay of patients is the major challenge for modern intensive care because of its effects on morbidity and resource utilization. Severe trauma or infection are associated with the catabolic response, characterized by increased protein turnover and negative nitrogen balance. Severe catabolism leads to end-organ dysfunction and muscular weakness prolonging the need for mechanical ventilation. Catabolism cannot be prevented with standard parenteral or enteral nutritional formulas. In order to prevent the complications of catabolism in intensive care patients, recombinant growth hormone (rhGH) has been applied during two decades as an experimental therapy for patients requiring parenteral nutrition and for those with respiratory failure. Administration of rhGH has resulted in positive nitrogen balance, and studies in mechanically ventilated patients suggest that it may shorten the need for ventilatory support. In contrast to the results of these relatively small studies, a recent multinational randomized controlled trial revealed that the administration of rhGH (with doses 10-20 times higher than those used for replacement therapy) increases the mortality of critically ill patients. This excessive mortality in patients treated with rhGH was related to infections and development of multiple organ failure. Administration of high doses of rhGH to critically ill patients cannot thus be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ruokonen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland
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