INTRODUCTION: Severe growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in adults is associated with unfavorable metabolic disturbances and adversechanges in body composition, contributing to increased cardiovascular risk and impaired quality of life. Although recombinant humangrowth hormone (rhGH) replacement therapy is an established treatment, data reflecting its effects under real-world clinical conditionsin Poland remain limited. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective, real-world study included adult patients with severe GHD treated with rhGH within the nationaldrug program at a single tertiary endocrine center. Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), lipid profile, glycemic parameters,and body composition assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis were evaluated at baseline, after 6 and 12 months of therapy, and atthe last follow-up. RESULTS: Recombinant human GH therapy was associated with a sustained increase in serum IGF-1 concentrations throughout the observationperiod. Treatment was accompanied by a reduction in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while norelevant changes were observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, or glycated hemoglobin. After 12 months of therapy,a decrease in total fat mass and body fat percentage was observed, along with an increase in relative muscle mass. Favorable regionalchanges in body composition involved the trunk as well as upper and lower limbs. No meaningful changes were detected in absolutemuscle mass, bone mass, or total body water. CONCLUSIONS: In adults with severe GHD, rhGH replacement therapy administered under routine clinical practice conditions is associated with beneficial changes in lipid profile and favorable body recomposition, characterized by reduced adiposity and increased relative muscle mass. These findings support the effectiveness of long-term, individualized rhGH therapy in adult patients with GHD.
Żak-Skryśkiewicz et al. (Wed,) studied this question.