LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (LI) IN A PITUITARY DWARF*

Abstract

Human growth hormone (Li) was administered for one year to a pituitary dwarf between the ages of 11 1/2 and 12 1/2 years. The optimal dosage seemed to be 2.5 mg. daily intramuscularly; less fre-quent injections, even of the same total amount of hormone, were not as effective. An increase in height of 11 cm. (4 5/8 inches) occurred during the year, compared to a previous yearly rate of 3 cm. (1 3/4 inches) while the patient was taking sodium L-thyroxine. The fasting blood glucose level did not change, even though the glucose tolerance curve rose to mild diabetic levels during early metabolic studies while the patient was receiving growth hormone in doses up to 10 mg. daily. Later, the curve returned to normal levels during long-term adminis-tration of smaller daily doses. During a control period of seven months after the one year of treatment, growth slowed markedly. Under bony maturation did not occur during or after treatment. When therapy was reinstituted, metabolic changes similar to those noted initially again occurred. The output of adrenocortical hormones tended to increase slightly during treatment. Urinary gonadotropin values rose during treatment, but there is some doubt as to the specificity of the test under these conditions. Psychologic evaluation showed no change in the patient''s intellectual and emotional status.