Growth Hormone Producing Adenomas: Acromegaly

Karen J.P. Liebert, Daphne T. Adelman, Elisabeth Rutten, Christine Yedinak

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Acromegaly is a rare disorder characterized by overproduction of growth hormone (GH) predominantly by a pituitary adenoma. Clinical features associated with acromegaly are a result of chronic excess GH and insulinlike growth factor-I (IGF-1) effects on tissue, bone, and other organs. The disease is associated with increased mortality, chiefly from cardiovascular disease, but morbidity from associated comorbidities is also increased. Adequate control of growth hormone excess is paramount to controlling comorbidities. The diagnosis is made by the biochemical confirmation of elevated GH and IGF-1 levels, the presence of clinical features, and evidence of a pituitary tumor based on MRI imaging. Transsphenoidal surgery, medical therapies, and radiation therapy are all options for disease control. Patients with acromegaly require long-term health surveillance, despite the fact that they may have normal GH and IGF-1 levels. Patients are monitored lifelong for disease recurrence, management of comorbidities and treatments to improve quality of life.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvanced Practice in Endocrinology Nursing
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages365-394
Number of pages30
ISBN (Electronic)9783319998176
ISBN (Print)9783319998152
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2019

Keywords

  • Acromegaly
  • Growth hormone excess
  • Insulin-like growth factor-1
  • Pituitary
  • Pituitary tumor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing
  • General Medicine
  • General Health Professions

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