American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists medical guidelines for clinical practice for growth hormone use in adults and children--2003 update

The Impact of Methylphenidate on Pubertal Maturation and Bone Age in ADHD Children and Adolescents: Results from the ADHD Drugs Use Chronic Effects (ADDUCE) Project

OBJECTIVE

The short-term safety of methylphenidate (MPH) has been widely demonstrated; however the long-term safety is less clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of MPH in relation to pubertal maturation and to explore the monitoring of bone age.

METHOD

Participants from ADDUCE, a two-year observational longitudinal study with three parallel cohorts (MPH group, no-MPH group, and a non-ADHD control group), were compared with respect to Tanner staging. An Italian subsample of medicated-ADHD was further assessed by the monitoring of bone age.

RESULTS

The medicated and unmedicated ADHD groups did not differ in Tanner stages indicating no higher risk of sexual maturational delay in the MPH-treated patients. The medicated subsample monitored for bone age showed a slight acceleration of the bone maturation after 24 months, however their predicted adult height remained stable.

CONCLUSION

Our results do not suggest safety concerns on long-term treatment with MPH in relation to pubertal maturation and growth.

Etiological subgroups of term small-for-gestational-age and childhood health outcomes

BACKGROUND

Small-for-gestational-age (SGA) has a heterogeneous etiology. Our study aimed to examine the childhood health outcomes of etiology-distinct term SGA subgroups.

METHODS

Data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project were used. The etiological factors of SGA were categorized into five groups: maternal, fetal, placental, environmental and physiological factors. Primary child outcomes included low IQ and growth restriction. A total of 8417 term infants were eligible.

RESULTS

Compared with AGA, SGA children due to fetal factors had the highest risk of low IQ (aOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.45-2.59). SGA infants due to physiological factors had the highest risk of growth restriction (aOR = 6.04, 95% CI: 3.93-9.27). SGA children had a higher risk of growth restriction with the aOR ranging from 3.05 (95% CI: 2.36-3.96) to 5.77 (95% CI: 4.29-7.75) for the number of risk factors that the SGA infants had from 1 to 5. SGA children with any risk factor were associated with a higher risk of lower IQ with the aOR ranging from 1.59 (95% CI: 1.31-1.94) to 1.96 (95% CI: 1.50-2.55). SGA without the five types of etiologies was not associated with adverse child outcomes except for growth restriction (aOR = 3.82, 95% CI: 2.62-5.55).

CONCLUSION

Term SGA of different etiologies may lead to different child health outcomes.

IMPACT

Our study found that SGA of different etiologies may lead to different child health outcomes. Compared with AGA, SGA children due to fetal factors had the highest risk of low IQ. SGA infants due to physiological factors had the highest risk of growth restriction. SGA babies should not be treated the same. In the era of precision medicine, our findings may help pediatricians and parents better manage SGA babies according to different etiologies and the number of risk factors.

Growth Hormone Response to L-Arginine Alone and Combined with Different Doses of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Arginine (ARG) can modulate growth hormone (GH) release by suppressing its endogenous inhibitory regulator, somatostatin. ARG also induces the release of the GH-releasing hormone (GHRH). This study aims to review the effects of L-arginine supplementation alone and combined with GHRH in different doses on GH secretion.

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, an electronic literature search was conducted on Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases. All eligible studies were randomized clinical trials that reported the effects of ARG supplementation alone or with GHRH on GH levels. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed as the effect size.

RESULTS

Meta-analyses showed significant effects of ARG alone on GH release (MD = 10.07, 95% CI: 7.87, 12.28). Moreover, the response of GH was greater with ARG in combination with GHRH (MD = 24.96, 95% CI: 17.51, 32.42). There was no significant difference between the patients and healthy individuals and between oral and injection use of ARG. The systematic review revealed the important role of ARG in combination with other amino acids on GH secretion in patients with GH deficiency.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that in GH-deficient individuals, high doses of ARG supplementation in combination with GHRH and/or other amino acids might have potential therapeutic effects on increasing GH concentrations. These findings propose that ARG supplementation can be considered as a potential stimulator in management of GH deficiency.

Growth hormone and aging

Growth hormone (GH) actions impact growth, metabolism, and body composition and have been associated with aging and longevity. Lack of GH results in slower growth, delayed maturation, and reduced body size and can lead to delayed aging, increased healthspan, and a remarkable extension of longevity. Adult body size, which is a GH-dependent trait, has a negative association with longevity in several mammalian species. Mechanistic links between GH and aging include evolutionarily conserved insulin/insulin-like growth factors and mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathways in accordance with long-suspected trade-offs between anabolic/growth processes and longevity. Height and the rate and regulation of GH secretion have been related to human aging, but longevity is not extended in humans with syndromes of GH deficiency or resistance. However, the risk of age-related chronic disease is reduced in individuals affected by these syndromes and various indices of increased healthspan have been reported.

[Catch-up growth and associated factors in very low birth weight infants]

INTRODUCTION

The characteristics of catch-up growth in very low birth weight infants (VLBW) have not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to analyse the height catch-up and some associated factors in a cohort of VLBW (birth weight<1,500g) from birth to age 14 years.

METHODS

We obtained retrospective data on weight and height at birth and ages one, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 years in a cohort of 170 VLBW. We compared these anthropometric values with those documented in a control group.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven children (21.8%) were born with an extremely low birth weight and 32 (18.8%) extremely preterm. At 10 years of age, 7% of VLBW (1,000-1,500g) and 35% of extremely low birth weight (<1,500g) children had short stature (P=.001). Almost all VLBW children who had a normal height at ages 2, 4 and 10 years had exhibited adequate weight catch-up in previous evaluations. We found that extremely low birth weight and extremely preterm were independent predictors for inadequate height catch-up.

CONCLUSION

The growth pattern of VLBW children has specific characteristics. The catch-up in weight seems to be an important factor for catch-up in height, and therefore a thorough nutritional follow-up is recommended in these children.

Growth Hormone Deficiency: Health and Longevity

The important role of GH in the control of mammalian longevity was first deduced from extended longevity of mice with genetic GH deficiency (GHD) or GH resistance. Mice with isolated GHD (IGHD) due to GHRH or GHRH receptor mutations, combined deficiency of GH, prolactin, and TSH, or global deletion of GH receptors live longer than do their normal siblings. They also exhibit multiple features of delayed and/or slower aging, accompanied by extension of healthspan. The unexpected, remarkable longevity benefit of severe endocrine defects in these animals presumably represents evolutionarily conserved trade-offs among aging, growth, maturation, fecundity, and the underlying anabolic processes. Importantly, the negative association of GH signaling with longevity extends to other mammalian species, apparently including humans. Data obtained in humans with IGHD type 1B, owing to a mutation of the GHRH receptor gene, in the Itabaianinha County, Brazil, provide a unique opportunity to study the impact of severe reduction in GH signaling on age-related characteristics, health, and functionality. Individuals with IGHD are characterized by proportional short stature, doll facies, high-pitched voices, and central obesity. They have delayed puberty but are fertile and generally healthy. Moreover, these IGHD individuals are partially protected from cancer and some of the common effects of aging and can attain extreme longevity, 103 years of age in one case. We think that low, but detectable, residual GH secretion combined with life-long reduction of circulating IGF-1 and with some tissue levels of IGF-1 and/or IGF-2 preserved may account for the normal longevity and apparent extension of healthspan in these individuals.

Effect of Growth Hormone Therapy on Height Velocity in Korean Children with Idiopathic Short Stature: A Phase III Randomised Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The SYNERGY (Saizen® for Your New Life and Brighter Tomorrow without Growth Deficiency) study is the first randomised multi-centre, open-label study to assess the short-term efficacy and safety of this recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH) preparation for prepubertal children with idiopathic short stature in South Korea.

METHODS

The SYNERGY study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01746862) was conducted at 9 centres throughout South Korea between December 2012 and March 2015. The primary endpoint was difference in height velocity from baseline to 6 months in the treatment and control arms.

RESULTS

97 children were screened; 90 were randomly assigned: 60 children to 0.067 mg/kg/day r-hGH for 12 months (treatment) and 30 children to 6 months of no treatment followed by 0.067 mg/kg/day r-hGH for 6 months (control). The 6-month mean height velocity in the treatment group increased from 5.63 cm/year (SD 1.62) to 10.08 cm/year (SD 1.92) (p < 0.0001) and from 4.94 cm/year (SD 1.91) to 5.92 cm/year (SD 2.01) (p = 0.0938) in the control group (between-group difference 3.47 cm/year, 95% CI 2.17-4.78; p < 0.0001). Adherence was > 90% throughout the study. The safety profile was consistent with that already known for r-hGH.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with r-hGH in the SYNERGY study demonstrated a statistically significant increase in height velocity at 6 months.

Effects of recombinant human growth hormone in the treatment of dwarfism and relationship between IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and thyroid hormone

The effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in the treatment of dwarfism and the relationship between insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and thyroid hormone were examined in the present study. For this purpose, 66 patients diagnosed with dwarfism were selected retrospectively, with 36 cases of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and 30 cases of idiopathic short stature (ISS). The therapeutic dose of GHD 0.10 IU/kg·day and ISS 0.15 IU/kg·day were injected subcutaneously every night before sleep until adulthood. The average follow-up was 5 years, and the results were evaluated and measured every 3 months, including height, BA, secondary test of growth hormone (GH peak), IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and thyroid hormone (FT3, FT4 and TSH). After treatment, the height, BA, GH peak, IGF-A and IGFBP-3 of the GHD group were all increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05), while FT3, FT4 and TSH had no significant change (P<0.05). The height and BA increased and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The indexes of the ISS group were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The results of the Pearson-related analysis suggested that GH peak of the GHD group, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were positively associated with height (P<0.05), and had no relationship with BA (P<0.05). None of the above indexes of the ISS group had an obvious correlation with height and BA (P>0.05). rhGH was effective for GHD and ISS, with the GHD effect being positively associated with the GH peak, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3. ISS had no obvious relationship with GH peak, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 although other influencing factors may be involved.

Assessment of the Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Single Doses of TV-1106, a Long-Acting Growth Hormone, in Healthy Japanese and Caucasian Subjects

TV‐1106 is a human serum albumin genetically fused to recombinant human growth hormone, designed to provide a long‐acting alternative to daily growth hormone (GH) injections in patients with GH deficiency. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of single subcutaneous doses of TV‐1106 (7.5, 15, 50, and 100 mg) in Japanese (n = 44) and caucasian (n = 44) healthy subjects. TV‐1106 pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics were comparable in Japanese and caucasian populations. TV‐1106 demonstrated relatively slow absorption (median t_max, 10–30 hours) and a mean elimination half‐life of 26–36 hours. Apparent clearance and volume of distribution decreased with increasing TV‐1106 doses in both populations and appeared to increase more than dose proportionality across the tested doses. Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and IGF binding protein‐3 (IGFBP‐3) increased in a dose‐related manner, with maximum responses observed at 33–96 and 42–109 hours, respectively. IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 returned to baseline values at 168 hours following 7.5 and 15 mg of TV‐1106, and 336 hours following 50 and 100 mg of TV‐1106. TV‐1106 appeared safe in both populations. There was no evidence of differences in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, or safety of TV‐1106 between Japanese and caucasian populations. The data also demonstrate long‐acting growth hormone properties of TV‐1106 and support its potential for once‐weekly dosing.

Postoperative Care Following Pituitary Surgery

Patients undergoing surgery for pituitary tumors represent a heterogeneous population each with unique clinical, biochemical, radiologic, pathologic, neurologic, and/or ophthalmologic considerations. The postoperative management of patients following pituitary surgery often occurs in the context of a dynamic state of the hypothalamic-pituitary-end organ axis. Consequently, a significant component of the postoperative care of these patients focuses on vigilant screening and observation for neuroendocrinologic perturbations such as varying degrees of hypopituitarism and disorders of water balance (diabetes insipidus and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone). Additionally, one must be cognizant of other potential complications specific to the transsphenoidal approach for tumor removal including cerebrospinal fluid leakage and meningitis. This review addresses the postoperative management of patients undergoing pituitary surgery with an emphasis on careful screening and recognition of complications.

Referral pattern of children with short stature to a pediatric endocrine clinic in Kuwait

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to describe the referral pattern, baseline characteristics, and etiological profile of children referred with short stature in Kuwait.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional retrospective review of children referred to the Endocrine Clinic with short stature. Short stature was defined as height or length below the 3rd centile or <-2 standard deviation score (SDS).

RESULTS

A total of 221 children were referred with no gender difference (p=0.346). Almost one fifth of these children had normal stature. Median (interquartile) age was 7.7 (4.7, 10.3) years and mean height SDS was -2.67 (0.68). The most common diagnoses were normal variants of growth, growth hormone deficiency (GHD).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights the need to improve the referral process in order to avoid unnecessary investigations and alleviate parental anxiety. There is no gender bias in short stature referrals in Kuwait. There is a need of further investigation of short stature in the region.

Evaluation of growth hormone stimulation testing in children

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use and interpretation of growth hormone (GH) stimulation tests used across the UK for diagnosing GH deficiency.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies show poor consensus on the use of GH stimulation tests. Sex steroid priming and retesting in the transition period are areas not previously surveyed.

DESIGN

Data were collected from tertiary paediatric endocrinologists, paediatricians with a specialist interest in endocrinology and biochemists across the UK over 6 months through distributing electronic surveys.

RESULTS

At least three different GH stimulation tests were used by 33% of departments. Glucagon and insulin doses varied most, and sampling frequency varied most using insulin. All laboratories use a recommended chemiluminescence immunoassay with an acceptable coefficient of variability. The GH peak for diagnosing GH deficiency varied from 6 to 8 μg/l. A wide range of clinical scenarios prompted retesting in the transition period, suggesting nonstandardized current practice. Seventy-five per cent of departments use sex steroid priming, but follow criteria variously combining bone age, chronological age and pubertal stage, together with variations in steroid type and dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a contentious diagnostic test, GH stimulation tests remain the gold standard for diagnosing GH deficiency. Our data suggest that together with variation in indication, protocol and interpretation, there is considerable variation in current practices pertaining to priming and retesting in transition. Given the current financial climate and the need for careful resource management, this study emphasizes the considerable need for consensus in the investigation, diagnosis and long-term follow-up of these children, at least nationally if not internationally.

Brazilian adult individuals with untreated isolated GH deficiency do not have accelerated subclinical atherosclerosis

GH and its principal mediator IGF1 have important effects on metabolic and cardiovascular (CV) status. While acquired GH deficiency (GHD) is often associated with increased CV risk, the consequences of congenital GHD are not known. We have described a large group of patients with isolated GHD (IGHD) due to a homozygous mutation (c.57+1G>A) in the GH releasing hormone receptor gene, and shown that adult GH-naïve individuals have no evidence of clinically evident premature atherosclerosis. To test whether subclinical atherosclerosis is anticipated in untreated IGHD, we performed a cross-sectional study of 25 IGHD and 27 adult controls matched for age and gender. A comprehensive clinical and biochemical panel and coronary artery calcium scores were evaluated by multi-detector tomography. Height, weight, IGF1, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, creatinine and creatininekinase were lower in the IGHD group. Median and interquartile range of calcium scores distribution was similar in the two groups: IGHD 0(0) and control 0(4.9). The vast majority of the calcium scores (20 of 25 IGHD (80%) and 18 of 27 controls (66.6%)) were equal to zero (difference not significant). There was no difference in the calcium scores classification. None of IGHD subjects had minimal calcification, which were present in four controls. Three IGHD and four controls had mild calcification. There were two IGHD individuals with moderate calcification and one control with severe calcification. Our study provides evidence that subjects with congenital isolated lifetime and untreated severe IGHD do not have accelerated subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.

Recombinant growth hormone therapy in children with short stature in Kuwait: a cross-sectional study of use and treatment outcomes

BACKGROUND

Recombinant Growth hormone (rGH) therapy is approved in many countries for treatment of short stature in a number of childhood diagnoses. Despite the increasing body of international literature on rGH use, there is paucity of data on rGH use in Kuwait and the broader Middle-East which share unique ethnic and socio-cultural backgrounds. This study aimed to describe the pattern of use and treatment outcomes of rGH therapy in Kuwait.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional retrospective review of children treated with rGH in the Department of Pediatrics, in a major hospital in Kuwait between December 2013 and December 2014. Data were extracted using standard data extraction form and the response to rGH therapy was defined as a gain of ≥ 0.3 standard deviation score (SDS) of height per year.

RESULTS

A total of 60 children were treated with rGH in the center. Their Median (Interquartile) age at rGH initiation was 9.0 (6.2, 10.7) years. The most common indications for rGH therapy were Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) 23 (38.3 %), Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS) 12 (20.0 %) and Small for Gestational Age (SGA) 9 (15.0 %). After excluding patients with TS, no significant differences were found in gender of those who received rGH therapy in all indications combined or in each group (p ≥ 0.40). At 1-year follow-up, children in all groups had median height SDS change of ≥ 0.3 SDS except for children with ISS. Age at rGH initiation was negatively associated with 1-year treatment response, Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.56 (95 % CI: 0.04-1.49); p = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS

GHD is the most common indication of rGH therapy. All indications except for ISS showed significant 1-year treatment response to therapy. Treatment outcomes in patients with ISS should be further investigated in Kuwait. Younger age at initiation of rGH therapy was independently associated with significant response to therapy suggesting the importance of identifying children with short stature and prompt initiation of rGH therapy.

Diagnostic value of serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in growth hormone deficiency: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) are conventionally considered available for the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD), but the results about their diagnostic values are inconsistent among some recent epidemiological studies. The aim of this study is to assess the diagnostic values of serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 for GHD by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. Studies on serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 used in GHD diagnosis were systematically searched from databases PubMed, EMBASE, and CNKI (up to December 2013). Characteristics of the studies and data were independently collected according to the inclusion criteria by two authors. The quality of included studies was assessed using quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS). Both sensitivity (SEN) and specificity (SPE) of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in GHD diagnosis were estimated on statistical software Meta-DiSc and Stata. A total of 12 studies were included for the final analysis. IGF-1 had SEN of 0.66, SPE of 0.69, positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 2.48, negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of 0.51, area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) of 0.78, and Q* value of 0.72. Serum IGFBP-3 had SEN of 0.50, SPE of 0.79, PLR of 2.69, NLR of 0.64, area under SROC of 0.80, and Q* value of 0.73.

CONCLUSION

Serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 are useful for the diagnosis of GHD and can be utilized as auxiliary diagnosis indexes for provocative test.

Efficacy and safety of Samtropin™ recombinant human growth hormone; a double-blind randomized clinical trial

Background

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) can increase the growth rate in growth hormone deficient children (GHD). In this randomized clinical trial, we compared the efficacy and side effects of an Iranian brand; Samtropin with Norditropin.

Methods

The GHD children were randomly treated either with standard dose of Samtropin or Norditropin rhGH for one year. Upstanding height, height standard deviation score (HSDS), growth velocity (GV), serum levels of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and bone age (BA) were determined before and during one year treatment concomitant side effects of treatment.

Results

We evaluated 22 subjects; 12 on Samtropin and, 10 on Norditropin. In each group, mean age was 12 yr and 50% of them were male. The mean differences in height, HSDS, IGF-1 and BA by Norditropin before and after 12 months were 8.8 cm, 0.5, 49 ng/ml and 2.8 yr, respectively. These measures by Samtropin were 9.1 cm, 0.6, 133 ng/ml, and 1.7 yr, respectively without any significant difference. The mean of GV by Samtropin was 9.1 vs. 8.8 cm by Norditropin without significant difference. Since the efficacy of Samtropin was found to be similar to Norditropin after 12 months; we switched to use only Samtropin for the next 12 months. The mean differences in height, HSDS, GV and BA in 20 children between months 12 and 24 were 7.0 cm, 1.6, 2.1 cm/yr and 1.0 yr, respectively (P < 0.001). We also found a non-significant decrease in IGF-1 levels. No side effects were observed.

Conclusions

We need to conduct a post marketing surveillance with a large sample size in order to confirm our findings.

Trial registration

Registration code number in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT1138901181414N11.

The DATAC study: a new growth database. Description of the epidemiology, diagnosis and therapeutic attitude in a group of Spanish children with short stature

BACKGROUND

Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) availability has allowed the treatment of a greater number of growth disorders. It is important to get an insight into the clinical characteristics of the paediatric population before rhGH treatment.

METHODS

An observational, retrospective and multicentre study was conducted to evaluate the patients' baseline characteristics prior to rhGH therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 1404 patients (53.8% males) aged 0.5-17.3 years were included. Clinical conditions were as follows: GH deficiency (GHD), 66.0%; small for gestational age (SGA), 29.7%; and Turner syndrome (TS), 4.3%. Male gender was predominant in most growth disorders; age at diagnosis was higher in GHD patients; therapy with rhGH started at lower chronological age in SGA and TS groups.

CONCLUSION

The baseline characteristics of the population to be treated with rhGH were similar to those reported in other growth databases. Delayed age at treatment initiation should increase the awareness of these disorders among general paediatricians and entice them to refer children suspected of having these disorders to a specialist.

Growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and the kidney: pathophysiological and clinical implications

Besides their growth-promoting properties, GH and IGF-1 regulate a broad spectrum of biological functions in several organs, including the kidney. This review focuses on the renal actions of GH and IGF-1, taking into account major advances in renal physiology and hormone biology made over the last 20 years, allowing us to move our understanding of GH/IGF-1 regulation of renal functions from a cellular to a molecular level. The main purpose of this review was to analyze how GH and IGF-1 regulate renal development, glomerular functions, and tubular handling of sodium, calcium, phosphate, and glucose. Whenever possible, the relative contributions, the nephronic topology, and the underlying molecular mechanisms of GH and IGF-1 actions were addressed. Beyond the physiological aspects of GH/IGF-1 action on the kidney, the review describes the impact of GH excess and deficiency on renal architecture and functions. It reports in particular new insights into the pathophysiological mechanism of body fluid retention and of changes in phospho-calcium metabolism in acromegaly as well as of the reciprocal changes in sodium, calcium, and phosphate homeostasis observed in GH deficiency. The second aim of this review was to analyze how the GH/IGF-1 axis contributes to major renal diseases such as diabetic nephropathy, renal failure, renal carcinoma, and polycystic renal disease. It summarizes the consequences of chronic renal failure and glucocorticoid therapy after renal transplantation on GH secretion and action and questions the interest of GH therapy in these conditions.

Effects of recombinant human growth hormone therapy on bone mineral density in adults with growth hormone deficiency: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

GH deficiency is associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. Because the effects of recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy on BMD and bone mineral content have not been systematically investigated, we conducted a meta-analysis of pertinent studies.

DESIGN

A thorough search of the literature (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Register) was performed. Relevant studies were divided and analyzed according to their design (randomized/controlled or prospective/retrospective) and duration of rhGH therapy (≤12 months and > 12 months).

RESULTS

Administration of rhGH led to a significant increase in lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN) BMD in randomized/controlled studies of more than 1 year [weighted mean difference (95% confidence interval)] of 0.038 g/cm(2) (0.011-0.065) and 0.021 g/cm(2) (0.006-0.037) at the LS and FN, respectively, and a nonsignificant drop at the same sites in studies of shorter duration. In prospective studies, a significant increase in the LS and FN BMD was obtained. On meta-regression, a negative association was observed between the change in LS and FN BMD and subjects' age and a positive association between the BMD change and treatment duration. In a subgroup analysis, the increase in LS and FN BMD was significant in men [0.048 g/cm(2) (0.033-0.064) and 0.051 g/cm(2) (0.003-0.098), respectively] but not in women.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests a beneficial effect of rhGH replacement on BMD in adults with GH deficiency. This effect is affected by gender, age, and treatment duration. Larger studies are needed to evaluate the effect of rhGH on fracture risk.

Pharmacologic Approaches to the Aging Athlete

As America’s baby boomer population matures, there is an increasing interest in supplements that can delay or oppose the aging process. This antiaging movement has exploded over the past decade. While most supplements are not supported by scientific literature or government controls, a number of products have been the subject of significant scientific inquiry. Hormone replacement therapy, including testosterone and growth hormone, has mixed results, and antioxidative strategies are supported by basic science but lack clinical evidence-based outcomes. While the process of aging has become better understood leading to more rational approaches to combat its effects on health, the clinician is reminded to carefully discern between the science and marketing that is available in this area.

Validation and ease of use of a new pen device for self-administration of recombinant human growth hormone: results from a two-center usability study

Close adherence to the recommended treatment regimen is important for the success of recombinant human growth hormone therapy, although nonadherence can be common. Ease of use and safety during use/storage are among several important factors in the design of a growth hormone injection device intended for long-term use. This study was performed to validate the usability and assess the ease of use of a new pen device (SurePal™) that has been developed to support daily administration of the recombinant human growth hormone product, Omnitrope® (somatropin). The primary objectives of the study were to assess if study participants, representing intended users of the pen in clinical practice, were able to perform an injection procedure into an injection pad effectively and safely and disassemble the pen without receiving a needlestick injury. A total of 106 participants (61 adults and 45 children/adolescents) were enrolled at two study centers (one in the US, one in Germany). Results for both primary usability tasks met the predefined acceptance criteria, with >85% of participants successfully performing each task. All of the other tasks/handling steps assessed were also successfully performed by most participants, with high success rates reflected in the high proportion of participants who classified each task as “very easy” or “easy”. After a second use of the device, 87%–97% of participants rated it as “very easy” or “easy” to use. In summary, the new pen device is safe and easy to use for both adults and children, and will help to support effective, long-term daily administration of the recombinant human growth hormone product, Omnitrope®.

The NordiNet® International Outcome Study and NovoNet® ANSWER Program®: rationale, design, and methodology of two international pharmacoepidemiological registry-based studies monitoring long-term clinical and safety outcomes of growth hormone therapy (Norditropin®)

Objective

Randomized controlled trials have shown that growth hormone (GH) therapy has effects on growth, metabolism, and body composition. GH therapy is prescribed for children with growth failure and adults with GH deficiency. Carefully conducted observational study of GH treatment affords the opportunity to assess long-term treatment outcomes and the clinical factors and variables affecting those outcomes, in patients receiving GH therapy in routine clinical practice.

Design

The NordiNet® International Outcome Study (IOS) and the American Norditropin® Studies: Web Enabled Research (ANSWER Program®) are two complementary, non-interventional, observational studies that adhere to current guidelines for pharmacoepidemiological data.

Patients

The studies include pediatric and adult patients receiving Norditropin®, as prescribed by their physicians.

Measurements

The studies gather long-term data on the safety and effectiveness of reallife treatment with the recombinant human GH, Norditropin®. We describe the origins, aims, objectives, and design methodology of the studies, as well as their governance and validity, strengths, and limitations.

Conclusion

The NordiNet® IOS and ANSWER Program® studies will provide valid insights into the effectiveness and safety of GH treatment across a diverse and large patient population treated in accordance with real-world clinical practice and following the Good Pharmacoepidemiological Practice and STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

GH therapy in adult GH deficiency: a review of treatment schedules and the evidence for low starting doses

Recombinant human GH has been licensed for use in adult patients with GH deficiency (GHD) for over 15 years. Early weight- and surface area-based dosing regimens were effective but resulted in supraphysiological levels of IGF1 and increased incidence of side effects. Current practice has moved towards individualised regimens, starting with low GH doses and gradually titrating the dose according to the level of serum IGF1 to achieve an optimal dose. Here we present the evidence supporting the dosing recommendations of current guidelines and consider factors affecting dose responsiveness and parameters of treatment response. The published data discussed here lend support for the use of low GH dosing regimens in adult GHD. The range of doses defined as 'low dose' in the studies discussed here (∼1-4  mg/week) is in accordance with those recommended in current guidelines and encompasses the dose range recommended by product labels.

Practitioner review: current best practice in the management of adverse events during treatment with ADHD medications in children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Medication is an important element of therapeutic strategies for ADHD. While medications for ADHD are generally well-tolerated, there are common, although less severe, as well as rare but severe adverse events AEs during treatment with ADHD drugs. The aim of this review is to provide evidence- and expert-based guidance concerning the management of (AEs) with medications for ADHD.

METHODS

For ease of use by practitioners and clinicians, the article is organized in a simple question and answer format regarding the prevalence and management of the most common AEs. Answers were based on empirical evidence from studies (preferably meta-analyses or systematic reviews) retrieved in PubMed, Ovid, EMBASE and Web of Knowledge through 30 June 2012. When no empirical evidence was available, expert consensus of the members of the European ADHD Guidelines Group is provided. The evidence-level of the management recommendations was based on the SIGN grading system.

RESULTS

The review covers monitoring and management strategies of loss of appetite and growth delay, cardiovascular risks, sleep disturbance, tics, substance misuse/abuse, seizures, suicidal thoughts/behaviours and psychotic symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Most AEs during treatment with drugs for ADHD are manageable and most of the times it is not necessary to stop medication, so that patients with ADHD may continue to benefit from the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment.

Design of, and first data from, PATRO Children, a multicentre, noninterventional study of the long-term efficacy and safety of Omnitrope(®) in children requiring growth hormone treatment

OBJECTIVE

To describe the rationale, design and first data from PATRO Children, a postmarketing surveillance of the long-term efficacy and safety of somatropin (Omnitrope(®)) for the treatment of children requiring growth hormone treatment.

METHODS

PATRO Children is a multicentre, open, longitudinal, noninterventional study being conducted in children's hospitals and specialised endocrinology clinics. The primary objective is to assess the long-term safety of Omnitrope(®) in routine clinical practice. Eligible patients are infants, children and adolescents (male or female) who are receiving treatment with Omnitrope(®) and who have provided informed consent. Patients who have been treated with another recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) product before starting Omnitrope(®) are eligible for inclusion. All adverse events (AEs) are monitored and recorded, with particular emphasis on: long-term safety; the recording of malignancies; the occurrence and clinical impact of anti-hGH antibodies; the development of diabetes during Omnitrope(®) treatment in children short for gestational age (SGA); safety issues in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Efficacy assessments include auxological parameters, plus insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3.

RESULTS

As of September 2012, 1837 patients were enrolled in the study from 184 sites in 10 European countries. To date, efficacy data are reassuring and consistent with previous studies. In addition, there have been no confirmed cases of diabetes occurring under Omnitrope(®) treatment, no reports of malignancy and no safety issues in PWS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy and safety profile of Omnitrope(®) in the PATRO Children study so far are as expected. The ongoing study will extend the safety database for Omnitrope(®), and rhGH products more generally, in paediatric indications. Of particular interest, PATRO Children will add important information on the diabetogenic potential of rhGH in children born SGA, the risk of malignancies in children receiving rhGH, and AEs with a possible causal relationship to rhGH treatment in children with PWS.

Growth hormone treatment after renal transplantation: a promising but underused chance to improve growth

Growth retardation remains a clinical problem in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) prior to and during end-stage renal disease. The growth of approximately 40 % of children on dialysis is stunted. Even so, growth hormone treatment (GH) is not used in the majority of small children prior to transplantation. Also, GH is effective in improving growth after transplantation, but again, it is only rarely used in this situation mainly for fear of triggering rejection episodes. In controlled studies, the number of patients who developed rejection episodes with GH was no greater than the number in untreated controls. However, patients with prior frequent rejection episodes developed further repeated subsequent rejection episodes. Many patients with repeated rejection episodes before GH treatment have reduced renal function and are expected to proceed to dialysis or retransplantation. We believe that in these patients, early individual decisions for or against GH treatment should be made as soon as other treatment strategies, such as steroid withdrawal, have failed or are not indicated. Decisions for GH treatment at a later pubertal age come too late for significant growth response and/or improvement of final height.

Administration burden associated with recombinant human growth hormone treatment: perspectives of patients and caregivers

Patients treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) for growth hormone disorders follow a challenging treatment schedule. This study assessed patient and caregiver experiences with rhGH therapy treatment regimens. Patients 13 years or older with growth hormone deficiency and caregivers completed Web-based surveys. A total of 61 patients and 239 caregivers participated. Storage of rhGH was considered burdensome by more than a third. More than 51% considered storage "somewhat more" to "much more of a burden" relative to the burden while not traveling. "Away from home or traveling" was the most frequently endorsed reason for missing a dose. rhGH treatment while traveling is challenging because of rhGH storage burden.

Update on Turner and Noonan syndromes

Turner syndrome (TS) and Noonan syndrome (NS) have short stature as a constant feature; however, both conditions can present clinicians with a challenging array of genetic, cardiovascular, developmental, and psychosocial issues. In recent years, important advances have been achieved in each of these areas. This article reviews these two syndromes and provides updates on recent developments in diagnostic evaluation, growth and development, psychological issues, and treatment options for patients with TS and NS.

A review of guidelines for use of growth hormone in pediatric and transition patients

Growth hormone (GH) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in pediatric patients with disorders of growth failure or short stature and in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and HIV/AIDS wasting and cachexia. For pediatric patients, guidelines for the use of GH have been developed by several organizations that have identified specific criteria for initiating GH therapy for each FDA-approved indication. Guidelines for adults have also been developed and include recommendations for transition (adolescent) patients with GHD. These patients are often treated with GH as children but may require continued treatment as young adults to attain full skeletal mineralization and improve cardiovascular risk factors. Adult and pediatric guidelines are supported by efficacy and safety studies, which show that, when started at an early age, GH treatment can increase growth velocity and that GH is safe and well-tolerated. We summarize the guidelines that are available for all FDA-approved indications among pediatric and transition patients. Adherence to these guidelines will help to ensure that patients with disorders of growth failure or short stature receive the necessary therapy to increase linear growth and transition smoothly to healthy adulthood.

Comparison of response to 2-years' growth hormone treatment in children with isolated growth hormone deficiency, born small for gestational age, idiopathic short stature, or multiple pituitary hormone deficiency: combined results from two large observational studies

Background

Few studies have compared the response to growth hormone (GH) treatment between indications such as isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD), born small for gestational age (SGA), idiopathic short stature (ISS), and multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD). The aim of this analysis of data, collected from two large ongoing observational outcome studies, was to evaluate growth and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) response data for children of short stature with IGHD, MPHD, SGA, or ISS following two years of treatment with the recombinant GH product Norditropin® (Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsværd, Denmark).

Methods

Analysis of auxologic data from two ongoing prospective observational studies, NordiNet® International Outcomes Study (NordiNet® IOS) and NovoNet®/American Norditropin® Studies: Web-enabled Research (ANSWER) Program®.

Results

4,582 children aged <18 years were included: IGHD, n = 3,298; SGA, n = 678; ISS, n = 334; and MPHD, n = 272. After two years’ GH treatment, change in height standard deviation score (SDS) was +1.03 in SGA and +0.84 in ISS vs. +0.97 in IGHD (p = 0.047; p < 0.001 vs. IGHD, respectively). Height gain was comparable between IGHD and MPHD. In pre-pubertal children vs. total population, height SDS change after two years was: IGHD, +1.24 vs. +0.97; SGA, +1.17 vs. +1.03; ISS, +1.04 vs. +0.84; and MPHD, +1.16 vs. +0.99 (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

After two years’ GH treatment, change in height SDS was greater in SGA and less in ISS, compared with IGHD; the discrepancy in responses may be due to the disease nature or confounders (i.e. age). Height SDS increase was greatest in pre-pubertal children, supporting early treatment initiation to optimize growth outcomes.

Effect of 4 years of growth hormone therapy in children with Noonan syndrome in the American Norditropin Studies: Web-Enabled Research (ANSWER) Program® registry

BACKGROUND

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a genetic disorder characterized by phenotypic features, including facial dysmorphology, cardiovascular anomalies, and short stature. Growth hormone (GH) has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for short stature in children with NS. The objective of this analysis was to assess the height standard deviation score (HSDS) and change in HSDS (ΔHSDS) for up to 4 years (Y4) of GH therapy in children with NS.

METHODS

The American Norditropin Studies: Web-Enabled Research (ANSWER) Program®, a US-based registry, collects long-term efficacy and safety information on patients treated with Norditropin® (somatropin rDNA origin, Novo Nordisk A/S) at the discretion of participating physicians. A total of 120 children (90 boys, 30 girls) with NS, naïve to previous GH treatment, were included in this analysis.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) baseline age of subjects (n = 120) was 9.2 (3.8) years. Mean (SD) HSDS increased from -2.65 (0.73) at baseline to -1.32 (1.11) at Y4 (n = 17). Subjects showed continued increase in HSDS from baseline to Y4 without significant differences between genders at Y1 or Y2. The mean (SD) GH dose was 47 (11) mcg/kg/day at baseline and 59 (16) mcg/kg/day at Y4. There was a negative correlation between baseline age and ΔHSDS at Y1 (R = -0.3156; P = 0.0055) and Y2 (R = -0.3394; P = 0.017). ΔHSDS at Y1 was significantly correlated with ΔHSDS at Y2 (n = 37; R = 0.8527, P < 0.0001) and Y3 (n = 20; R = 0.5145; P = 0.0203), but not Y4 (n = 12; R = 0.4066, P = 0.1896).

CONCLUSIONS

GH treatment-naïve patients with NS showed continued increases in HSDS during 4 years of treatment with GH with no significant differences between genders up to 2 years. Baseline age was negatively correlated with ΔHSDS at Y1 and Y2. Whether long-term therapy in NS results in continued increase in HSDS to adult height remains to be investigated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01009905.

How useful are serum IGF-I measurements for managing GH replacement therapy in adults and children?

The optimal dosing of growth hormone (GH) therapy is challenging due to high inter-individual variability in subcutaneous GH absorption and sensitivity to the drug. Optimal dosing would maximize patient gains in height, body composition, and metabolic outcomes while minimizing GH adverse events. The pulsatile secretion of GH, however, does not allow direct assessment of circulating GH levels as a measure of response to GH therapy. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), a key marker of GH activity, has been shown to be useful in monitoring and adjusting GH dose during treatment of GH deficiency (GHD). Traditionally, monitoring IGF-I levels in response to GH therapy has been recommended for assessment of treatment compliance and safety. More recently, GH treatment guidelines have stated that IGF-I levels should also be used to guide GH dosing. This review examines whether individualized GH dosing based on the IGF-I response to GH therapy provides a better method for determining the GH replacement needs of pediatric and adult patients compared with conventional GH dosing, and whether IGF-I-based dosing improves outcomes such as height and body composition, with reduced side effects. Because IGF-I measurement presents its own difficulties, the current state of IGF-I assays is also discussed. The reviewed studies show that the use of GH dose adjustments based on IGF-I responses to GH therapy successfully reduces adverse events in adults with GHD and results in greater positive height attainment in children, without increasing adverse events. Long-term outcome studies are needed, as are internationally accepted guidelines for IGF-I measurement.

Diagnosing growth hormone deficiency in adults

Adult growth hormone (GH) deficiency is a recognised syndrome associated with adverse phenotypic, metabolic, and quality-of-life features which improve in many patients when GH is substituted. The appropriate selection of patients at risk of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is the crucial first step in arriving at a correct diagnosis. Although multiple diagnostic modalities are available including a 24-hour serum GH profile, stimulated GH levels, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, the use of dynamic tests for GH reserves is required in most cases. This paper discusses the utility and drawbacks of the various testing modalities with reference to international guidelines. Regardless of the test chosen, clinical pitfalls including age and obesity must be taken into account. In addition, there is considerable analytical variation in the biochemical measurements of GH and IGF-1 which must be considered before making a diagnosis of GHD in adulthood.

Latin American consensus: children born small for gestational age

BACKGROUND

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality than those born appropriate for gestational age. In Latin America, identification and optimal management of children born SGA is a critical issue. Leading experts in pediatric endocrinology throughout Latin America established working groups in order to discuss key challenges regarding the evaluation and management of children born SGA and ultimately develop a consensus statement.

DISCUSSION

SGA is defined as a birth weight and/or birth length greater than 2 standard deviations (SD) below the population reference mean for gestational age. SGA refers to body size and implies length-weight reference data in a geographical population whose ethnicity is known and specific to this group. Ideally, each country/region within Latin America should establish its own standards and make relevant updates. SGA children should be evaluated with standardized measures by trained personnel every 3 months during year 1 and every 6 months during year 2. Those without catch-up growth within the first 6 months of life need further evaluation, as do children whose weight is ≤ -2 SD at age 2 years. Growth hormone treatment can begin in SGA children > 2 years with short stature (< -2.0 SD) and a growth velocity < 25th percentile for their age, and should continue until final height (a growth velocity below 2 cm/year or a bone age of > 14 years for girls and > 16 years for boys) is reached. Blood glucose, thyroid function, HbA1c, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) should be monitored once a year. Monitoring insulin changes from baseline and surrogates of insulin sensitivity is essential. Reduced fetal growth followed by excessive postnatal catch-up in height, and particularly in weight, should be closely monitored. In both sexes, gonadal function should be monitored especially during puberty.

SUMMARY

Children born SGA should be carefully followed by a multidisciplinary group that includes perinatologists, pediatricians, nutritionists, and pediatric endocrinologists since 10% to 15% will continue to have weight and height deficiency through development and may benefit from growth hormone treatment. Standards/guidelines should be developed on a country/region basis throughout Latin America.

European guidelines on managing adverse effects of medication for ADHD

The safety of ADHD medications is not fully known. Concerns have arisen about both a lack of contemporary-standard information about medications first licensed several decades ago, and signals of possible harm arising from more recently developed medications. These relate to both relatively minor adverse effects and extremely serious issues such as sudden cardiac death and suicidality. A guidelines group of the European Network for Hyperkinetic Disorders (EUNETHYDIS) has therefore reviewed the literature, recruited renowned clinical subspecialists and consulted as a group to examine these concerns. Some of the effects examined appeared to be minimal in impact or difficult to distinguish from risk to untreated populations. However, several areas require further study to allow a more precise understanding of these risks.

Factors influencing the one- and two-year growth response in children treated with growth hormone: analysis from an observational study

To assess gender-, pubertal-, age-related differences in change from baseline height standard deviation score (ΔHSDS), data from 5,797 growth hormone (GH) naïve pediatric patients (<18 years) with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD), Turner syndrome (TS), small for gestational age (SGA), Noonan syndrome (NS), and idiopathic short stature (ISS) were obtained from the ANSWER (American Norditropin Studies: Web-enabled Research) Program registry. For patients with SGA, ΔHSDS at year 1 was significantly greater for males versus females (P = .016), but no other gender differences were observed. For patients with GHD, ΔHSDS was greater in prepubertal than in pubertal patients. Younger patients for both genders (<11 years for boys; <10 years for girls) showed a greater ΔHSDS (P < .05 for GHD, MPHD, and ISS). Overall, positive ΔHSDSs were observed in all patients, with greater growth responses in younger prepubertal children, emphasizing the importance of starting GH treatment early.

Complexation Hydrogels for the Oral Delivery of Growth Hormone and Salmon Calcitonin

The hydrogel system of poly(methacrylic acid-co-N-vinyl pyrrolidone) was evaluated for use as an oral delivery system for growth hormone and salmon calcitonin. These proteins were selected because of their therapeutic importance and the insight provided by evaluating the delivery of a therapeutic agent with a high molecular weight (growth hormone) and a drug with a high isoelectric point (salmon calcitonin). Growth hormone loading and release studies were performed for both P(MAA-co-NVP) and P(MAA-g-PEG). Loading efficiencies for the respective systems were 50.9 ± 1.8% and 57.8 ± 4.1%; weight incorporation of the protein was determined to be 3.5 ± 0.1% and 4.0 ± 0.3%. At pH 7.4, growth hormone release of 90% occurred within 45 min for P(MAA-co-NVP) microparticles; 90% release was not achieved with P(MAA-g-PEG) microparticles until 180 min. At pH 1.2, no release occurred from P(MAA-co-NVP) microparticles but 10% release occurred from P(MAA-g-PEG) microparticles. Salmon calcitonin loading and release were shown to be affected by the negative charges of deprotonated MAA; for systems with monomer molar feed ratios of 4:1, 1:1 and 1:4 MAA:NVP, loading efficiencies were determined to be 70.6 ± 3.0%, 25.3 ± 1.2%, and 1.6 ± 1.3%. Salmon calcitonin release was minimal from the copolymer with 4:1 MAA:NVP monomer feed at pH 7.4. The release improved when the pH was raised above physiological levels. These studies confirmed that P(MAA-co-NVP) was an effective oral delivery system for high molecular weight drugs, but improvements are needed before the system could be utilized for high isoelectric point therapeutic delivery.

Comparative validation of the growth hormone-releasing hormone and arginine test for the diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency using a growth hormone assay conforming to recent international recommendations

CONTEXT

The GHRH plus arginine (GHRH+Arg) test is a promising alternative to the insulin tolerance test (ITT) for diagnosis of adult GH deficiency (AGHD).

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the study were to validate the GHRH+Arg test for diagnosis of AGHD, using the ITT as comparator and a GH assay calibrated according to recent international recommendations, and to study the repeatability and tolerance of both tests.

DESIGN

This was a multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase III study.

SETTING

The study was conducted at 10 French university hospitals.

SUBJECTS

Sixty-nine subjects (38 and 15 with high and low probability of GH deficiency, respectively, and 16 healthy controls) were randomized: 35 to the GHRH+Arg-GHRH+Arg-ITT test sequence and 34 to the ITT-ITT-GHRH+Arg test sequence.

INTERVENTIONS

Each subject underwent three tests of GH secretion separated by 24 h or more.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary variable used for response assessments was serum peak GH response. Test results were compared with the final AGHD diagnosis.

RESULTS

Peak GH responses in the two tests were strongly correlated. A cutoff value of 7.89 microg/liter for GHRH+Arg corresponding to 3 microg/liter for ITT was calculated. The cutoff value leading to 95% specificity with the GHRH+Arg test was measured at about 3.67 microg/liter (sensitivity 79.0%). Intermethod agreement and repeatability were high. Both tests were well tolerated. A preference for the GHRH+Arg test was expressed by 74% of subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The GHRH+Arg test demonstrated good accuracy and repeatability, was at least as sensitive as the ITT, and was associated with better subject acceptability. The GHRH+Arg test represents a good alternative to the ITT for the diagnosis of AGHD.

Tall stature without growth hormone: four male patients with aromatase deficiency

CONTEXT

From preliminary observations, GH-IGF-I seems to be compromised in men with aromatase deficiency. The GH deficiency (GHD) coexists paradoxically with tall stature, raising the question whether or not a true GHD is part of this rare syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the GH secretion in aromatase-deficient men, their GH response to the GHRH plus arginine (GHRH-ARG) test was compared with that of normal subjects. The effect of estrogen replacement treatment on the GH-IGF-I axis in aromatase-deficient men was evaluated before and during therapy.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A case-control study was conducted.

PATIENTS

Four adult men with aromatase deficiency were compared with 12 normal subjects.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We measured the GH response to GHRH-ARG in aromatase-deficient men (at baseline and during estrogen treatment) and in normal subjects. Basal serum IGF-I was measured in both patients and controls.

RESULTS

The response of GH to GHRH-ARG was severely impaired in men with aromatase deficiency and resulted in significantly lower (P < 0.001) levels than in normal subjects. Although normal, serum IGF-I levels were also significantly lower (P < 0.001) than in normal subjects. Both GH peak and IGF-I concentrations were not modified by estrogen therapy in men with aromatase deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

In aromatase-deficient men, GH response to potent provocative stimuli is impaired and is not restored by exogenous estrogens. Furthermore, a tall stature may be reached, notwithstanding the coexistence of GHD, if a prolonged time for growth is available due to a delay in bone maturation, and other growth factors different from GH (mainly insulin) promote growth.

Growth hormone deficiency after treatment of acromegaly: a randomized, placebo-controlled study of growth hormone replacement

CONTEXT

The effects of GH replacement therapy in patients who develop GH deficiency (GHD) after cure of acromegaly have not been established in a placebo-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine whether GH replacement improves body composition, cardiovascular risk markers and quality of life in patients with GHD and prior acromegaly.

DESIGN

This was a 6-month, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a clinical translational science center.

STUDY PARTICIPANTS

Participants included 30 subjects with prior acromegaly and current GHD.

INTERVENTION

INTERVENTIONs included GH or placebo.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and cross-sectional computed tomography at L4), cardiovascular risk markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), total, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fibrinogen, and carotid intimal-medial thickness), and quality of life were measured.

RESULTS

The mean GH dose at 6 months was 0.58 +/- 0.26 mg/d. Total fat mass, visceral adipose tissue (-15.3 +/- 18.6 vs. 1.3 +/- 12.5%, P = 0.01), and total abdominal fat decreased, and fat-free mass increased, in the GH vs. placebo group. Mean hsCRP levels decreased, but there was no GH effect on other cardiovascular risk markers. There was no change in glycosylated hemoglobin or homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index. Quality of life improved with GH. Side effects were minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first randomized, placebo-controlled study of the effects of GH replacement therapy on body composition and cardiovascular end points in patients who have developed GH deficiency after treatment for acromegaly, a disease complicated by metabolic and body composition alterations and increased cardiovascular risk. GH replacement decreased visceral adipose tissue, increased fat-free mass, decreased hsCRP, and improved quality of life in patients with GHD after cure of acromegaly, with minimal side effects and without an increase in insulin resistance.

Growth hormone and selective attention: a review

INTRODUCTION

The relation between growth hormone (GH) secretion and general cognitive function has been established. General cognitive functioning depends on core functions including selective attention, which have not been addressed specifically in relation to GH. The present review addresses current insights about specific effects of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) on varieties of selective attention, as well as effects of GH suppletion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Studies investigating relationships between GH status and valid measures of selective or divided attention were reviewed.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

There are no indications that GHD is characterized by impaired attribute selection, interference control, or attentional switching. In contrast, a few studies point to a deficit in integrated processing of multiple dimensions, as well as speed of information processing. There is also weak evidence for beneficial effects of GH replacement in the opposite direction in these domains.

CONCLUSIONS

The function of integrated processing of multiple stimulus dimensions may be based on neural mechanisms in the anterior cingulate cortex and its extensive connections to the hippocampus, the latter being known to be rich in GH receptors.

Activation of the GH/IGF-1 axis by CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog, results in serum protein profile changes in normal adult subjects

OBJECTIVE

To identify biomarkers of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) action in human serum.

BACKGROUND

The search for new markers of GH activity has received extensive attention given that the current biomarkers (IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and collagen peptides) show substantial variability in the population, and are not reliably predictive of either the physiologic effects of GH therapy or the detection of GH abuse by athletes. GH releasing hormone (GHRH) is a polypeptide synthesized in the hypothalamus that binds to receptors on pituitary somatotropes to promote the synthesis and release of GH. Serum GH and IGF-1 levels have been shown to increase with administration of GHRH or CJC-1295, a long-acting GHRH analog.

DESIGN

Sera from 11 healthy young adult men before and one week after CJC-1295 injection were analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis for proteomic changes. Serum proteins displaying significant changes before and after treatment were subsequently identified using mass spectrometry. In addition, correlations between these proteins and GH or IGF-1 levels were evaluated.

RESULTS

Two protein spots that displayed decreased intensities after treatment were identified as an apolipoprotein A1 isoform and a transthyretin isoform. Three protein spots upregulated by CJC-1295 treatment included beta-hemoglobin, a C-terminal fragment of albumin, and a mix of an immunoglobulin fragment and another C-terminal albumin fragment. A linear relationship was found between the spot containing immunoglobulin and albumin fragments and IGF-1 levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the molecular mechanisms linking the identified proteins to GH and IGF-1 biological activity remain to be clarified, the results suggest that they represent potential biomarkers of GH and/or IGF-1 action.

Impact of Absorption and Transport on Intelligent Therapeutics and Nano-scale Delivery of Protein Therapeutic Agents

The combination of materials design and advances in nanotechnology has led to the development of new therapeutic protein delivery systems. The pulmonary, nasal, buccal and other routes have been investigated as delivery options for protein therapy, but none result in improved patient compliances and patient quality of life as the oral route. For the oral administration of these new systems, an understanding of protein transport is essential because of the dynamic nature of the gastrointestinal tract and the barriers to transport that exist.Models have been developed to describe the transport between the gastrointestinal lumen and the bloodstream, and laboratory techniques like cell culture provide a means to investigate the absorption and transport of many therapeutic agents. Biomaterials, including stimuli-sensitive complexation hydrogels, have been investigated as promising carriers for oral delivery. However, the need to develop models that accurately predict protein blood concentration as a function of the material structure and properties still exists.

Growth after renal transplantation

Growth may be severely impaired in children with chronic renal insufficiency. Since short stature can have major consequences on quality of life and self-esteem, achieving a 'normal' height is a crucial issue for renal transplant recipients. However, despite successful renal transplantation, the final height attained by most recipients is not the calculated target height. Catch-up growth spurts post-transplantation are usually insufficient to compensate for the retardation in growth that has occurred during the pre-transplant period. Longitudinal growth post-transplantation is therefore influenced by the age at transplantation but also by subsequent allograft function and steroid exposure, both of which interfere with the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor axis. The management of growth retardation in renal transplant recipients includes adequate nutritional intake, correction of metabolic acidosis, prevention of bone disease, steroid-sparing strategies and a supraphysiological dose of recombinant human growth hormone in selected cases.