Effect of low-normal and high-normal IGF-1 levels on memory and wellbeing during growth hormone replacement therapy: a randomized clinical trial in adult growth hormone deficiency

Abstract

For the different outcome measures baseline values served as covariates to adjust for regression to the mean. [...]at baseline the LD and HD male groups differed with respect to childhood onset (CO) and adult onset (AO) GH deficiency and IGF-1 SDS. The results of the present study in females seem to have some similarity with those findings. [...]the chronically given GH dose may have impaired memory functions, while reducing the dose counteracted the harmful effects on memory function. [...]the percentage of reported sleep problems was larger compared to baseline in females in LD group (37% versus 27%, p = 0.04, one-tailed). Because especially women appear to suffer from sleep disturbances, their sleep quality may benefit most by GH treatment and be most impaired by lowering the GH dose. A dose too high may impair prefrontal cognitive functioning, while a dose too low may result in decreased vigor. [...]the present results suggest that a “fine-tuned” intermediate dose may be the best option for maintaining an optimal mental status in female patients.