The effects of 10 years of recombinant human growth hormone (GH) in adult GH-deficient patients

The long term effects of GH replacement in adult GH-deficient (GHD) patient s have not yet been clarified. We studied 21 GHD adults who originally took part in a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of GH treatme nt in 1987. After completion of that trial, 10 patients received continuous GH replacement for the subsequent 10 yr, whereas 11 did not. A group of 11 age- and sex-matched normal controls were also studied in 1987 and 1997. L ean body mass, as assessed by total body potassium measurement and computed tomography scanning of the dominant thigh, increased in the GH-treated gro up (P < 0.01 for both) only (P < 0.05 between groups for total body potassi um). Low density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased in the GH-treated group (P < 0.05) only. Carotid intima media thickness was significantly greater ( P < 0.05) in the untreated group than in the GH-treated group. Assessment o f psychological well-being using the Nottingham Health Profile revealed imp rovement in overall score, energy levels, and emotional reaction in the GH- treated group compared with those in the untreated group (P < 0.02). in con clusion, GH treatment for 10 yr in GHD adults resulted in increased lean bo dy and muscle mass, a less atherogenic lipid profile, reduced carotid intim a media thickness, and improved psychological well-being.