Low-Dose Growth Hormone: Effective for Reducing Abdominal Fat, but Questions Remain

In a clinical trial conducted among HIV-infected patients with increased abdominal fat and relative growth-hormone (GH) deficiency, an 18-month course of low-dose GH reduced visceral and trunk obesity but increased glucose intolerance.

Approximately one third of HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation have reduced growth-hormone (GH) secretion, based on responses to GH-releasing factor plus arginine testing. Within this population, high doses of GH have shown some efficacy for reducing abdominal fat but have also been associated with significant adverse events. In the present study, investigators tested the safety and efficacy of physiologic doses of GH, starting at 2 µg/kg daily and titrated to the upper quartile of normal insulin-like growth-factor levels. (The senior investigator has received research support from and served as a consultant to the maker of the study drug.)

Fifty-six HIV-infected patients (52 men) with abdominal fat accumulation and reduced…

Reviewing Author

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Low-Dose Growth Hormone: Effective for Reducing Abdominal Fat, but Questions Remain

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Reviewing Author