Decrease in carotid intima-media thickness after one year growth hormone (GH) treatment in adults with GH deficiency.

An increased carotid arterial intima-media thickness (IMT) has been reported in hypopituitary adults untreated for GH deficiency. In the present study, the effect of GH replacement on IMT and cardiovascular risk factors was prospectively investigated, in GH deficiency patients treated at a mean dose of 1 UI/day during 1 yr (n = 22) and 2 yr (n = 11). The IMT measurements were performed by the same experienced physician, and the coefficient of variation (calculated in two control groups) was below 6.