Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment with recombinant growth hormone (rGH) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Methods: Twenty patients with CF (aged 10-23 years) were randomised to age and sex matched treatment and control groups. The treatment group received daily subcutaneous injections of 1 IU/kg/wk rGH for 12 months. Pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and airway resistance), exercise capacity measured with a bicycle ergometer, body composition (dual energy x ray absorptiometry), and weight were assessed at the beginning of the study and after 6 and 12 months.
Results: rGH treatment did not improve weight and pulmonary function, but lean body mass increased significantly in the treatment group. Exercise capacity increased in the treatment group from 143 (16) W (mean (SD)) to 164 (19) W after 12 months of rGH treatment.
Conclusion: Treatment of CF patients with rGH for one year improved the exercise capacity significantly but not pulmonary function. The improved exercise capacity needs confirmation in a larger population before such an expensive treatment is justified.