Cardiac effects of low-dose growth hormone replacement therapy in growth hormone-deficient adults. An 18-month randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study

OBJECTIVE: To characterise the effect of long-term low-dose growth hormone (GH) treatment on cardiac anatomy and function.

METHODS: 20 patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies, including severe acquired GH deficiency (GHD), were randomly assigned to GH or placebo (P) for 18 months. Echocardiographic measurements were performed at baseline and after 6, 12 and 18 months.

RESULTS: At baseline, 8 of 20 patients had diastolic dysfunction (6 severe and 2 borderline), while only 1 had systolic dysfunction. None of the investigated parameters of diastolic or systolic function changed during treatment.

CONCLUSION: In adult onset GHD, diastolic dysfunction was present in 40% of the patients. None of the investigated values were different after 18 months of GH compared to placebo.