The Treatment and Natural History of Acromegaly

This study is directed toward acromegaly and treatment of patients with acromegaly. Acromegaly is a condition due to high levels of growth hormone in the blood. Growth hormone is responsible for the regulation of the metabolism of sugar, fat, and protein. When growth hormone levels are elevated patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, sweating, joint pain, enlargement of the hands and feet, growth of soft tissues, and changes in the bones of the face and skull. Most patient suffering from acromegaly have a tumor of the pituitary gland known as an adenoma. It can be treated surgically or destroyed by radiation. Occasionally drugs are used to treat acromegaly.

Official Title

Conditions

– Acromegaly- Pituitary Neoplasm

Study Type

Observational

Study Design

Natural History

Further Details

Researchers have followed groups of patients with acromegaly for 25 years. The study will allow researchers to continue monitoring these patients and recruit new patients into the study. The patients will provide researchers with blood samples and pituitary gland tumor samples (when available through clinical care). These samples will be saved to provide future information about the disease. The study will provide researchers with information needed to better understand the causes and treatment of acromegaly.The purpose of this study is to investigate the treatment and natural history of acromegaly. We have a longstanding interest in acromegaly treatment, and a cohort that has been followed for over 25 years in many cases. We will continue to follow patients and recruit new patients for treatment and follow-up. Blood and pituitary tumor tissue (when available through clinical care) will be saved for future analyses related to acromegaly.

Study Start

Eligibility & Criteria

The purpose of this study is to investigate the treatment and natural history of acromegaly. We have a longstanding interest in acromegaly treatment, and a cohort that has been followed for over 25 years in many cases. We will continue to follow patients and recruit new patients for treatment and follow-up. Blood and pituitary tumor tissue (when available through clinical care) will be saved for future analyses related to acromegaly. Eligibility Genders Eligible for Study: Both Criteria INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIAPatients will be enrolled who are 18 years of age or over who are referred for care. There are no exclusions.

Total Enrolment

9999

Contact Details

[1] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) (US)