Effects of Growth Hormone Administration on Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Men and Women with Cured Acromegaly

This 12-month research study will evaluate the relationship between growth hormone (GH) levels and heart disease in subjects cured of acromegaly. GH is a hormone that the pituitary gland normally produces, and GH deficiency is associated with an increased risk for heart disease. This study investigates whether physiologic GH replacement therapy will reduce cardiovascular risk in men and women ages 18 to 75 with GH deficiency following cure of acromegaly. Eligible subjects may undergo 8 to 10 outpatient hospital visits which will include measurements of metabolism, body fat and muscle, as well blood tests reflecting the health of blood vessels. Subjects will be remunerated up to $300 for their participation.

We will also enroll subjects who have active acromegaly, or who are cured from acromegaly with a GH deficiency, but have a contraindication to receiving GH for a cross-sectional study involving body composition and cardiovascular risk marker measurements.

For more information, please contact Lindsay Gunnell at (617) 724-1579 or lgunnell@partners.org or visit the MGH Neuroendocrine Clinical Center / Pituitary Tumor Center website at: http://pituitary.mgh.harvard.edu/