John Carmichael, MD, Co-director of the USC Pituitary Center and Clinical Chief for the Division of Endocrinology, discusses an analysis of growth hormone replacement therapy in patients under the age of 60 years.
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a rare condition characterized by insufficient amounts of growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland. GHD can be acquired but is often congenital, with possible mutations in the POU1F1/Pit1 , PROP1 GHRH and GH1 genes. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Short stature
- Slow growth or absence of growth
- Absent or delayed sexual development during puberty
- Headaches
Growth hormone replacement treatment is a medical therapy used in the treatment of GHD, Turner syndrome, and other related conditions. However, challenges such as delivery of medication, insurance approvals, and skepticism of its benefits may introduce barriers to patients getting adequate care.
Analysis
An analysis was conducted utilizing real world data from the Nordinet IOS and ANSWER databases. Registry information was collected from patients currently being treated or previously treated with growth hormone replacement therapy. Outcomes and measures such as hemoglobin A1C, body mass index (BMI), dosage, and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) response were observed.
At ENDO 2024 a study was presented analyzing serious adverse events and IGF1 levels in patients aged less than 60 treated with growth hormone replacement therapy. The cohort was divided into three age groups: younger than 30 years, patients in their 30’s, and ages 40 to 60 years. No difference in serious adverse events were observed across three groups. Additionally, in each cohort, 80% of patients reached normal IGF1 levels.
The key message from this presentation is that GH is a safe medication among these age groups and a majority of patients see impact on IGF1 levels into normal range. There is no signal of serious adverse events and reactions, making GH a safe and effective treatment option.
For more information on growth hormone deficiency and other rare endocrine disorders, visit https://checkrare.com/diseases/endocrine-disorders/
