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Effects of Growth Hormone Administration on Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Men and Women with Cured Acromegaly

This 12-month research study will evaluate the relationship between growth hormone (GH) levels and heart disease in subjects cured of acromegaly. GH is a hormone that the pituitary gland normally produces, and GH deficiency is associated with an increased risk for heart disease. This study investigates whether physiologic GH replacement therapy will reduce cardiovascular risk in men and women ages 18 to 75 with GH deficiency following cure of acromegaly. Eligible subjects may undergo 8 to 10 outpatient hospital visits which will include measurements of metabolism, body fat and muscle, as well blood tests reflecting the health of blood vessels. Subjects will be remunerated up to $300 for their participation.

We will also enroll subjects cured from acromegaly who are GH sufficient or who
are GH deficient but have a contraindication to receiving GH for a cross-sectional study involving body composition and cardiovascular risk marker measurements.

For more information, please contact Lindsay Gunnell
at (617) 724-1579 or lgunnell@partners.org

SOM 230: A Randomized, Double-Blind Study to Assess the Safety and Efficacy of Different Doses of SOM 230 (pasireotide) in Patients with Cushing’s Disease

This clinical research study is designed to investigate the effects of an investigational medication (not approved by the Food and Drug Administration), SOM 230, in patients with active Cushing’s disease. Primary treatment for Cushing’s disease is surgery to remove the tumor causing excess ACTH and cortisol secretion. SOM 230 may provide an option for medical treatment in patients with Cushing’s disease. All adult subjects who have been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease and who have not been cured may be eligible for this study. There are 17 visits over one year of study participation. Patients will receive thorough physical exams and blood testing to monitor pituitary hormones.  In addition, patients will receive a total of $850 for completing the study and SOM 230 at no charge.

Please contact Karen Liebert, RN at 617-726-7473 or kpulaski@partners.org



RESEARCH STUDIES AVAILABLE

Patients may qualify for research studies in the Neuroendocrine Clinical Center.  We are currently accepting the following categories of patients for screening to determine study eligibility.  Depending on the study, subjects may receive free testing, medication and/or stipends.

SUBJECTS

STUDIES

CONTACT
 617-726-3870

Newly diagnosed acromegaly

  • Evaluating preoperative medical treatments

Karen Pulaski-Liebert, R.N.
Dr. Beverly M.K. Biller

Cushing’s Syndrome

  • Evaluating a potential new medical therapy

Karen Pulaski-Liebert, R.N.
Dr. Beverly M.K. Biller

Patients with active acromegaly

  • Body composition and cardiovascular evaluation

Dr. Anne Klibanski
Dr. Tamara Wexler

Patients with history of cured acromegaly with or without hypopituitarism

  • Body composition and cardiovascular evaluation
  • GH replacement study in patients with GH deficiency

Dr. Anne Klibanski
Dr. Tamara Wexler

Adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa

  • Evaluating bone density and the effects of estrogen replacement
  • Newer therapeutic possibilities

Dr. Anne Klibanski
Dr. Madhu Misra

Healthy adolescent girls and boys

  • To determine extent of growth hormone suppression following an oral glucose load

Dr. Anne Klibanski
Dr. Madhu Misra

Healthy and overweight adolescent girls, ages 12-18

  • Investigating body weight in relation to GH and ghrelin secretion in adolescents

Dr. Anne Klibanski
Dr. Madhu Misra

Women and adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa

  • Investigating effects of rhGH on bone metabolism

Dr. Anne Klibanski
Dr. Madhu Misra
Dr. Rajani Prabhakaran

Women with anorexia nervosa

  • New therapies

Dr. Karen K. Miller
Dr. Anne Klibanski

Women and men, ages 18-45

  • Investigating body weight and GH secretion
  • GH treatment in abdominal obesity

Dr. Andrea Utz
Dr. Karen K. Miller

Healthy women, ages 18-45

  • Investigating the link between cortisol regulation and bone density

Dr. Elizabeth Lawson
Dr. Karen K Miller
Dr. Anne Klibanski

Women with irregular menstrual periods (hypothalamic amenorrhea), ages 18-45

  • Investigating the link between cortisol regulation and bone density

Dr. Elizabeth Lawson
Dr. Karen K Miller
Dr. Anne Klibanski

Men and Women with the Metabolic Syndrome (Obesity and Insulin resistance)

  • Evaluating effects of TNF-alpha neutralization, to reduce inflammation

 

Dr. Steven Grinspoon
Dr. Stine Johnsen

HIV positive men and women with fat redistribution

  • Assessment of coronary artery calcification
  • Lifestyle modification strategies, including exercise and insulin sensitization

Dr. Steven Grinspoon
Dr. Janet Lo
Katie Fitch, ANP

HIV positive men and women with fat redistribution

  • Use of GHRH, a growth hormone secretagogue, to increase endogenous GH levels, improve fat distribution and lipid profile
  • Among patients with reduced GH response to standard GH secretion testing, use of low dose GH as above

Dr. Steven Grinspoon
Janet Lo, M.D.
Jim Liebau, ANP

 

 

 



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