Can GH Therapy Worsen a Clinically Silent Chiari Malformation? A Case Report and Systematic Literature Review.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The link between the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy in patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and Chiari malformation type I (CM-1) is controversial.

SUMMARY:

We report the case of a patient with an unusual association of GHD due to ectopic posterior pituitary and CM-1. Our patient developed a headache and worsening of CM-1 after the initiation of rhGH therapy. Following an atlo-occipital decompression surgery, the patient was able to resume therapy with a marked growth improvement. Based on this observation, we provide a systematic review of the current literature about these two pathologies.

KEY MESSAGES:

A careful follow-up of all patients with CM-1 treated with GH is mandatory, paying particular attention to the appearance of any neurological signs and symptoms.

• Authors: Egidio Candela, Emanuele La Corte, Stefano Zucchini, Mariella Lefosse, Francesco Toni, Mino Zucchelli
• Journal: Hormone research in paediatrics (Horm Res Paediatr) Vol. 96 Issue 4 Pg. 349-355 ( 2023) ISSN: 1663-2826 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 36001954 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Systematic Review)
• Copyright: © 2022 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• Human Growth Hormone
• Recombinant Proteins

Topics

• Humans
• Arnold-Chiari Malformation (complications, drug therapy, surgery)
• Human Growth Hormone (therapeutic use)
• Dwarfism, Pituitary
• Recombinant Proteins