Low-dose growth hormone and human immunodeficiency virus-associated lipodystrophy syndrome: a pilot study

Background Treatment with high doses (2–6 mg day−1) of human growth hormone (hGH) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐associated lipodystrophy syndrome (HALS) has been shown to increase concentrations of total insulin‐like growth‐factor‐I (IGF‐I) more than twofold greater than the normal upper range and is accompanied by adverse effects such as joint pain and glucose intolerance. Materials and methods We performed a 16‐week open‐labelled prospective pilot study in six male HALS patients using a s.c. low‐dose hGH, 0·7 mg day−1, aiming to examine the impact on total and free IGF‐I and fat distribution. Glucose metabolism was examined by oral glucose tolerance tests and hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamps. Results Total IGF‐I increased twofold (P