Welcome to the new Cushing's Help and Support FAQ (frequently asked questions) page. This new area will be a compilation of our visitors most frequent questions. Questions and answers are still being added.
Please select either a category on the left, or type in a keyword to search the database of questions and answers. Please note that there are several questions waiting to be answered at this time. Your question will be answered as soon as possible. If your question is very urgent, you might want to check the message boards to see if your question has been answered, or add it yourself.
IMPORTANT: The information and material posted on this Web site is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation.
Treatments List of Categories
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3
- Please
tell me about treatments for a Growth Hormone Deficiency.
- What is
the role of medical treatment for a growth hormone producing tumor (Acromegaly)?
- What kind
of treatment is available for Turner's Syndrome?
-
Please
tell me about treatments for a Growth Hormone Deficiency.
Please tell me about treatments for a Growth Hormone Deficiency. Once a physician has proven GH deficiency, he or she will begin the patient on a small dose of GH and slowly raise the dose until a final maintenance dose is reached. The hormone is given daily by injection. The hormone is given by the patient or a member of the family. Small needles and syringes are used. The physician will see the patient at four to eight week intervals to ask how the patient is doing and to obtain a blood test which can help determine the correct dose. This test is the insulin-like growth factor test ("IGF-1 test"). It is a single blood test which reflects the amount of GH administered, although it is not GH itself. IGF-1 values which are low prompt a larger dose or growth hormone is needed; values which are too high prompt a lower dose. Once a final dose is established, the blood test and office visits will continue approximately every 4 to 6 months. The symptoms of GH excess include muscle or joint pain, retention of fluid (called edema) and carpal tunnel, which consists of pain and/or numbness in the hands. These symptoms, if severe, will also help determine the dose.There are other ways the physician will monitor GH therapy. If the patient has a pituitary tumor, an MRI will be performed before therapy begins and usually every year thereafter. It is not known whether or not GH can stimulate the growth of residual tumors. The endocrinologist physician will decide when and how often this should be performed. The physician will often elect to monitor blood cholesterol and bone density. Successful therapy is associated with an increase in the density of bones and an improvement in blood cholesterol profile.
From GH Deficiency
This information was developed by David Cook, M.D. It is not intended to substitute for a full and frank consultation with qualified medical personnel, which is the primary means for a patient to obtain care and treatment. The information was believed to be current on November 5, 1998 and with the lapse of time, certain of this material will be outdated.
To top
-
What is
the role of medical treatment for a growth hormone producing tumor (Acromegaly)?
Medical treatment is usually given if there is persistent overproduction of growth hormone after surgery. Although medications can lower growth hormone, they are less effective in shrinking the tumor. Therefore, the usual first treatment is surgical removal of as much of the tumor as is possible. In the situation of a large tumor, particularly if it has grown into an area that is not accessible to the surgeon, the majority of the tumor may be removed, but a small portion remains - and continues to produce too much growth hormone. Because of the long term complications of excessive growth hormone (joint problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, facial changes, sweating, risk of colon polyps and colon cancer, and premature heart disease and death), it is important to reduce growth hormone levels to normal. In most cases, radiation therapy is given if surgery is not completely successful. Since it may take months or a few years before the radiation therapy is effective, medical treatment is used to control excessive growth hormone production while waiting for the radiation to become effective. Medications do not cure the problem, they control the situation. They are effective only as long as they are taken as prescribed.
To top
-
What kind
of treatment is available for Turner's Syndrome?
Europe Approves Zomacton, Human Growth Factor, For Turners SyndromeISELIN, NJ -- January 9, 2001 -- Bio-Technology General Corp. announced that The Ferring Group, BTG's licensee for Europe, has received approval from the European regulatory authorities for BTG's recombinant human growth hormone, in the treatment of Turner's syndrome.
The product is currently marketed by Ferring under the tradename Zomacton in over twenty European countries for the treatment of pituitary growth hormone deficiency in children. Europe constitutes approximately 30 percent of the worldwide market for human growth hormone.
Turner's syndrome is a genetic disorder in girls that occurs in approximately 1 in 2,500 live births and results in short stature and failure to develop secondary sexual characteristics. Human growth hormone is effective in promoting growth and improving final height in girls with this condition.
Sim Fass, Chairman and CEO of Bio-Technology General Corp., stated: "We are pleased to now be able to offer individuals with Turner's syndrome an alternative to other therapies. We believe that this additional indication will provide Ferring with a new opportunity to further penetrate and increase its share of the European growth hormone market."
From http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/1ef092.htm
To top
Cushings-Help.com shall not be held liable for any claim or right to recover damages, including, but not limited to,Site Design and Maintenance:
loss of profit, business, other incidental consequential damages, or other similar claims,
even if Cushings-Help.com has been specifically advised of the possibility of such damages.
Mary O'Connor
Founder and Webmaster
http://www.cushings-help.com
http://www.cushings-info.com
http://www.cushingsonline.com
http://www.cushings-support.com
http://www.cushings.invisionzone