Metabolic effects of growth hormone therapy in an Alstrom syndrome patient

Aim: To investigate the metabolic effects of recombinant human growth hormone ( rhGH) in an Alstrom syndrome patient with growth hormone deficiency. Methods: A 15-year- old Alstrom syndrome boy with growth hormone deficiency received rhGH therapy for 1 year. Biochemical parameters, including hepatic enzyme levels, lipid profiles, and insulin sensitivity, were measured. Body composition analysis and computed tomography scans of the liver were performed. Results: After 1 year of rhGH treatment, body fat mass, fat infiltration in the liver, and serum lipid profiles had all decreased. Insulin sensitivity and acanthosis nigricans improved. Conclusion: rhGH therapy might have beneficial effects on body composition, liver fat content, lipid profiles, and insulin resistance in Alstrom syndrome patients, with improvement of the glucose homeostasis. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.