Metabolic effects of growth hormone therapy in an Alström syndrome patient.

AIM: To investigate the metabolic effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in an Alström syndrome patient with growth hormone deficiency.

METHODS

A 15-year-old Alström syndrome boy with growth hormone deficiency received rhGH therapy for 1 year. Biochemical parameters, including hepatic enzyme levels, lipid profiles, and insulin sensitivity, were measured. Body composition analysis and computed tomography scans of the liver were performed.

RESULTS

After 1 year of rhGH treatment, body fat mass, fat infiltration in the liver, and serum lipid profiles had all decreased. Insulin sensitivity and acanthosis nigricans improved.

CONCLUSION

rhGH therapy might have beneficial effects on body composition, liver fat content, lipid profiles, and insulin resistance in Alström syndrome patients, with improvement of the glucose homeostasis.