UNWANTED EFFECTS OF GROWTH-HORMONE EXCESS IN THE ADULT

This review discusses in vitro, animal and human studies which provide insights into the deleterious effects of excess GH and IGF-I, The sys temic sequelae of hypersomatotrophism include disorders of the cardiov ascular, respiratory and rheumatologic systems. Impaired carbohydrate metabolism and an increased incidence of gastrointestinal malignancy a lso contribute to morbidity and an average 10 year reduction in mortal ity. Major determinants of these sequelae appear to include both the m agnitude and duration of hypersomatotrophism. Extrapolation of these f indings to adults receiving replacement or pharmacologic doses of GH r equires longer term controlled studies.