Evaluation of physical and psychological health state of patients with childhood-onset hypopituitarism after growth hormone treatment discontinuation

Retardation of growth, development and pubescence is one the most frequent endocrine disorders in children and adolescent (5 to 15 percent in different countries). The greatest physical, sexual, bone development retardation occurs in case of hypopituitarism. That is caused by deficiency of growth hormone (GH) and other pituitaty hormones. Thyroid, adrenal, gonadal hormones insufficiency, diabetes insipidus, metabolic dysfunction, adipositas, bone thinning may occur besides GH deficiency and height retardation. Above mentioned changes impair physical, social, emotional health, quality of life, increases social isolation, disability. Growth hormone preparations are very effective in children and adolescent with hypopituitarism. GH preparations are used until final height is reached or epiphyseal growth plates are closed. After discontinuation of treatment with GH preparations in patients with childhood-onset hypopituitarism subsequently simptoms of adult GH deficiency appear. This study for the first time in Lithuania evaluated health state of patients with childhood-onset hypopituitarism half years or longer after discontinuation of long-term GH therapy. Physical development (anthropometric, bone state, body composition parameters), metabolism (hormonal state, metabolism of carbohydrates and fat, cardiovascular risk factors), psychological state and quality of life were investigated