Recombinant human growth hormone improves the fat redistribution syndrome (lipodystrophy) in patients with HIV.

Abstract

To determine the efficacy of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in the treatment of the fat redistribution syndrome (FRS) in patients with HIV. A prospective, open-label study. An urban, university-affiliated Infectious Disease Clinic. Ten HIV-infected patients (seven men, three women) with FRS. Treatment with 6 mg of rhGH a day, subcutaneously for 12 weeks. Body mass index (BMI), body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), body composition by anthropometrics (including waist/hip ratio), buffalo hump. The mean age was 41.7 years, the CD4 cell count was 247, and the HIV RNA was 95 735 copies/ml; 50% had undetectable viral RNA. The BMI was significantly increased from baseline to the end of treatment with growth hormone (25.3-26.9 kg/m2; P < 0.04); the waist/hip ratio significantly decreased from baseline levels, after treatment with growth hormone (1.03-0.9; P < 0.04); mid-thigh circumference increased significantly when baseline was compared with measures after treatment (49.1-51.8 cm; P < 0.03). One patient had to discontinue therapy because of hyperglycemia. Short-term treatment with rhGH improved the alterations in body shape that occur with FRS in HIV-infected patients. Waist/hip ratios and mid-thigh circumference are useful measures to follow alterations in body shape in FRS.