Determinants of Early Atherosclerotic Changes in Adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency Receiving Replacement Therapy: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Intima-media Thickness and Endothelial Function

BACKGROUND: Patients with adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) show accelerated atherosclerosis. While growth hormone replacement therapy (GHRT) may help mitigate this process, the mechanisms driving atherosclerosis progression in GHRT-treated patients with AGHD remain unclear. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with AGHD on daily GHRT for ≥5 years were assessed in this crosssectional study. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was evaluated by ultrasound. Reactive hyperemia index (RHI) was measured using peripheral arterial tonometry. Associations between vascular measures and clinical, pituitary, treatment, body composition, and laboratory parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: cIMT correlated with body mass index (r=0.584, p=0.001) and visceral adipose tissue area (r=0.791, p