Abstract
Background: Acromegaly is a rare disease with significant morbidity and increased mortality. Epidemiological data about therapeutic outcome under 'real life' conditions are scarce. Objective: To describe biochemical long-term outcome of acromegaly patients in Germany. Design and methods : Retrospective data analysis from 1344 patients followed in 42 centers of the German Acromegaly Register. Patients' data were collected 8.6 (range 0-52.6) years after diagnosis. Controlled disease was defined by an IGF1 within the center-specific reference range. Results: Nine hundred and seventeen patients showed a normalized IGF1 (157 (range 25-443) ng/ml). In patients with a diagnosis dated back > 2 years (n = 1013), IGF1 was normalized in 76.9%. Of the patients, 19.5% had an elevated IGF1 and a random GH ≥ 1 ng/ml, 89% of the patients had at least one surgical intervention, 22% underwent radiotherapy, and 43% received medical treatment. After surgery 38.8% of the patients were controlled without any further therapy. The control rates were higher in surgical centers with a higher caseload (P = 0.034). Of the patients with adjunctive radiotherapy 34.8% had a normal IGF1 8.86 (0-44.9) years post irradiation, 65.2% of the medically treated patients were controlled, and 47.2% of the patients with an elevated IGF1 received no medical therapy. Conclusion: The majority of acromegaly patients were controlled according to their IGF1 status. Long-term outcome could be improved by exploiting medical treatment options especially in patients who are not controlled by surgery and/or radiotherapy.
Original language | English |
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Journal | European Journal of Endocrinology |
Volume | 168 |
Issue number | 1 |
Pages (from-to) | 39-47 |
Number of pages | 9 |
ISSN | 0804-4643 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 01.01.2013 |