Biochemical Assessment and Long-Term Monitoring in Patients with Acromegaly: Statement from a Joint Consensus Conference of The Growth Hormone Research Society and The Pituitary Society

Acromegaly is associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality. As a consequence, treatment of the disease is indicated in almost all cases once the diagnosis is established. Studies published between 1970 and 1988 reported standardized mortality rates in patients with acromegaly to be 1.6 -3.3; more recent studies, published in the past 3 yr, reported the rate to be lower, ranging from 1.3-1.8. However, when disease activity is controlled in patients with acromegaly, the relative mortality risk is reduced toward normal. Changes brought about by improvements in assay methodology for GH and IGF-I mean that hormone levels reported from these retrospective analyses cannot be simply converted by formula to draw conclusions about the outcome of acromegaly assessed biochemically using current assays.