Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement reduces growth hormone (GH) dose requirement in female hypopituitary patients on GH replacement

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#adult #chi-square-distribution #cholesterol #cholesterol-hdl #dehydroepiandrosterone

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement reduces growth hormone (GH) dose requirement in female hypopituitary patients on GH replacement

Brooke et al., 2006 | Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) | Rct

Citation

Brooke Antonia M, Kalingag Leonila A, ... Monson John P. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement reduces growth hormone (GH) dose requirement in female hypopituitary patients on GH replacement. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2006-Nov;65(5):673-80

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: GH dose requirement is lower in ACTH replete compared with ACTH deficient hypopituitary patients suggesting that adrenal androgens may augment IGF-I generation for a given GH dose. This study aimed to determine the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration on GH dose requirements in hypopituitary adults. DESIGN: A double blind placebo controlled trial was conducted adding 50 mg DHEA to the standard replacement of hypopituitary patients, including GH, over an initial 6 months, followed by an open phase study of 6 months DHEA replacement and a final 2 month washout phase after DHEA withdrawal. The dose of GH was adjusted to achieve a constant serum IGF-I. PATIENTS: Thirty female and 21 male hypopituitary patients were enrolled. Data from 26 women and 18 men were analysed after patient withdrawal. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome objective was the GH dose required to achieve a stable serum IGF-I. Secondary outcome measures were lipoprotein profiles, insulin, insulin sensitivity, IGFBP-3, waist/hip ratio and indices of bone remodelling. RESULTS: DHEA replacement in female patients lead to a 14.6 +/- 20% reduction in the dose of GH for a constant serum IGF-I (P < 0.05, 95% CI: 1.8, 32.7). This was maintained for 12 months and there was a significant fall in serum IGF-I two months after withdrawal of DHEA. There was no change in the male group. CONCLUSIONS: DHEA replacement may reduce GH dose requirements in female hypopituitary patients.

Key Findings

DHEA replacement in female patients lead to a 14.6 +/- 20% reduction in the dose of GH for a constant serum IGF-I (P < 0.05, 95% CI: 1.8, 32.7). This was maintained for 12 months and there was a significant fall in serum IGF-I two months after withdrawal of DHEA. There was no change in the male group.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Cholesterol
  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Growth Hormone
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy
  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Humans
  • Hypopituitarism
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Male
  • Time Factors
  • Triglycerides

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: dhea

Provenance

  • PMID: 17054472
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-10 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10