What is the half-life of circulating endogenous GH?
20-25 minutes
Endogenous growth hormone (GH) is primarily cleared by the liver.
How is recombinant human GH (rhGH) administered?
Subcutaneously 6-7 times per week
When do peak levels of rhGH occur after administration?
2-4 hours
How long do active blood levels of rhGH persist?
Approximately 36 hours
What adverse events are associated with GH treatment?
- Pseudotumor cerebri
- Slipped capital femoral epiphysis
- Progression of scoliosis
- Edema
- Hyperglycemia
- Increased risk of asphyxiation in severely obese patients
Patients with Turner syndrome have an increased risk of what condition while taking GH?
Otitis media
What are common side effects of GH treatment?
- Peripheral edema
- Myalgias
- Arthralgias
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
What is the typical presentation of GH deficiency in childhood?
Short stature, often with mild adiposity
What criteria are used for the diagnosis of GH deficiency?
- Subnormal height velocity for age
- Subnormal serum GH response following stimulation with at least two GH secretagogues
What are the two forms of recombinant human IGF-I approved by the FDA in 2005?
- Mecasermin
- Mecasermin rinfabate
What is the mechanism of action of mecasermin rinfabate?
Complex of recombinant human IGF-I and recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3
What are the adverse effects of rhIGF-I treatment?
- Hypoglycemia
- Intracranial hypertension
- Asymptomatic elevation of liver enzymes
For what condition is GH approved for treatment in patients with AIDS?
Wasting syndrome
What is the use of GH in patients with short bowel syndrome?
Treatment for those dependent on total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
What conditions is GH antagonism used to treat?
- Acromegaly
- Gigantism
What are somatostatin analogs used for?
Reduce the production of GH
What is the role of GH in anti-aging programs?
Used as a purported remedy to increase muscle mass and athletic performance
What is the mechanism of action of Orlistat?
Reduces absorption of fats since triglycerides are not split
What are the common side effects of Orlistat?
- Flatulence
- Steatorrhea
- Fecal incontinence
What was the fate of Sibutramine regarding its availability?
Prescription withdrawn in 2010
What is the target organ of the drug Lorcaserin?
CNS (central nervous system)
Fill in the blank: Serum levels of GH normally ______ with aging.
Decline
True or False: GH is banned by the Olympic Committee.
True
