Growth hormone deficiency and replacement effect on adult bone mass: A clinical update

Elena Varlamov, Shirley McCartney, Maria Fleseriu

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Patients with growth hormone (GH) deficiency have decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and higher risk of fractures. Younger age, severe GHD, longer period of interruption of GH treatment before achievement of peak bone mass, un-replaced sex steroids or over replacement of glucocorticoid or thyroid deficiencies may contribute to lower BMD in GHD patients. Positive BMD change has been noted in prospective trials after at least a year of GH replacement and may persist for up to 10–15 years with continued treatment. Males and patients with more severe bone loss often respond with better increases in BMD. Growth hormone replacement may decrease risk of fractures, especially in non-osteoporotic adults; however, randomized controlled trials are needed to rigorously assess fracture benefit.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)7-20
Number of pages14
JournalCurrent Opinion in Endocrine and Metabolic Research
Volume3
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2018

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Bone mass
  • Bone mineral density
  • Growth hormone
  • Growth hormone deficiency

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

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