Long-term studies of effects fo methionyl-human growth hormone in Hypopituitary patients

Abstract

Ten children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), were included in a clinical trial with methionyl-human growth hormone (M-hGH). Six of them (A) previously treated with human growth hormone (hGH) were switched to a 9 months double-blind study with the same dosage (4 I.U./3 times a week) of M-hGH or hGH and the four new cases (B) received an equal dosage of M-hGH for 6-9 months. The patients were clinically controlled every 3 months. Growth hormone antibody titre (GHA) was determined every 1 1/2 months and bioassayable somatomedin (BSM), somatomedin C (SMC) and other biochemical parameters every 3 months. Results : 1- Growth velocity was maintained at previous values in A in all cases and in B a clear catch-up was observed. 2- Both treatments normalized BSM levels throughout the study but wide variations in SMC were observed. 3- Antibody titre was positive at 3-6 months in the majority of cases treated with M-hGH, with a progressive increase of GH basal levels. In conclusion : M-hGH induces generation of BSM and promotes growth in GHD, but more prolonged study on the characterization and possible side-effects of GHA is required.