Experiences of Somatonorm in Sweden

Substitution therapy with recombinant growth hormone (somatrem) in adults with growth hormone deficiency

The effects of a 12-week period of substitution therapy with somatrem have been investigated in six adults with confirmed hGH deficiency. Five of the six patients experienced a subjective improvement, mentally and physically, but these improvements were not demonstrated when the patients were assessed objectively. No side-effects were reported. Serum procollagen III peptide increased in all patients and serum IGF-1 increased in five of the six patients.

Growth hormone deficiency in adults--an indication for therapy?

Case studies are presented for two patients, one with isolated hGH deficiency and one with multiple hormone deficiencies. The patients were studied 3 months before, and 3 and 9 months after discontinuing hGH therapy, at 19 and 18 years of age, respectively. Strength in the quadriceps femoris, cross-sectional area of the quadriceps muscles and cross-sectional muscle fibre area were measured. In the patient with multiple hormone deficiencies, clear decreases in all three parameters were evident after discontinuing hGH treatment. There were no significant changes in the other patient. Reasons for these differences are discussed.