ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Octreotide(OC)-LAR is a long-acting preparation of octreotide which has been effectively used to suppress GH/IGF-1 hypersecretion in acromegalic patients. The clinical response, biochemical outcomes, and safety of OC-LAR were evaluated in 27 active acromegalic patients. METHOD: 27patients with an active disease status (according to the clinical picture, GH >5microgram/L and elevated age-matched IGF-1), and previously treated with bromocriptine after surgery, comprised the study population. OC-LAR was given(20mg, i.m., every 4 week for 3 injections, then the doses were titrated individually) and the acromegalic symptoms and adverse reactions recorded. The serum levels of GH and IGF-1 were evaluated every 12 week. The acromegalic symptoms including headache, fatigue and arthralgia, improved in all patients. RESULTS: Gastrointestinal side effects were transient and mild. The levels of GH significantly decreased, from 8.9+/-3.5 to 2.9+/-2.2 microgram/L at 12 weeks(P<0.001, vs. baseline), to 2.9+/-2.1microgram/L after 24 weeks(P<0.001) and to 2.5 +/-1.3microgram/L at 48 weeks(P<0.001). The levels of IGF-1 significantly decreased, from 753.7+/-213.6 to 429.7+/-253.4 microgram/L at 12 weeks(P<0.001, vs. at baseline), to 405.7+/-213.3microgram/L at 24 weeks(P <0.001) and to 348.9+/-144.7microgram/L at 48 weeks(P<0.001). The safelevel of GH is less than 2.5microgram/L and normal age-matched IGF-1 levels were achieved in 63 and 52% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Octreotide-LAR was well tolerated and effective as an adjuvant treatment in lowering the levels of GH and IGF-1 in active acromegalic patients.