Effects of rhGH on Body Composition and Subjective Physical Functions in Adults with Functional Growth Hormone Deficiency

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: There is a significant amount of evidence to indicate that some of the changes attributed to aging process can be partially reversed by GH replacement. But the GH replacement for somatopause with functional GH deficiency is still controversial. The aim of this study was to explore whether the short term GH replacement improved physical, emotional and sexual function as well as body composition. METHODS: A total of 31 adults with functional growth hormone deficiency were assigned to receive rhGH with an initial daily dose of 1.05 IU, six times a week. For evaluating physical change a 25-item questionnaire was administered to patients at initial visit and 6 months later. Body composition was determined by bioimpedence analysis at initial visit and 6 months later as well. We compared the changes for each variable using Wilcoxon's rank and Friedman's test. RESULTS: Serum IGF-1 level at 3 and 6 months were increased significantly by 31% and 43%, respectively, compared to baseline (P<0.0001). Lean body mass and percent body fat at 6 months of treatment showed a 2.2% increase and a 7.6% decrease with statistical significance. The score of the questionnaire at 6 months of treatment increased significantly in physical changes (P<0.0005), sexual function (P<0.001), self perception of physical appearances (P<0.02), chronic fatigue & immunity (P<0.03), and vitality (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Adults with functional growth hormone deficiency showed improvements in not only body composition, but also physical function and appearances and sexual function after 6 months of treatment with rhHGH.