Medical consequences of acromegaly: what are the effects of biochemical control?
This chapter discusses the effects of biochemical control of acromegaly on cardiovascular diseases, metabolic complications, respiratory abnormalities, malignancies and bone alterations. Acromegaly is associated with increased morbidity and mortality for cardiovascular and respiratory complications, whereas neoplasms seem to be a minor cause of increased risk of death. Other associated diseases are osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fatigue, visual abnormalities and reproductive disorders. Acromegaly results in premature death because of prolonged elevation of GH an IGF-I levels, and a strong biochemical control improves well-being and restores life expectancy to normal. The main goals of medical treatment of acromegaly include normalization of biochemical markers of disease activity, improvement in signs and symptoms of the disease, removal or reduction of tumor mass and preservation of pituitary function.
Colao
Annamaria
A
Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, Federico II University of Naples, via S Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy. colao@unina.it
Auriemma
Renata S
RS
Pivonello
Rosario
R
Galdiero
Mariano
M
Lombardi
Gaetano
G
D000172:Acromegaly / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D004067:Digestive System Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors
D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D013006:Growth Hormone