Growth hormone deficiency in Cushing’s syndrome: an update on diagnosis and management

GHD is common in patients with active CS and may persist among patients in remission. In children, decreased linear growth is prevalent. In adults in remission, GHD has been associated with a higher prevalence of cardiometabolic burden (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease), decreased muscle strength, lower bone mineral density and increased prevalence of fractures. The diagnosis of GHD generally requires stimulation testing and should only be undertaken in patients in remission. In children with CS in remission, growth hormone replacement improves adult height. In adults, growth hormone replacement may improve quality of life, bone mineral density, muscle strength and dyslipidemia but requires careful monitoring for the possible development of hyperglycemia.