Effect of Growth Hormone on Bone Metabolism in Anorexia Nervosa

Decreased bone strength is a serious medical problem present in many women with Anorexia Nervosa, or disordered eating. Women with weaker bones are more likely to suffer broken bones than women with normal bone strength. We are investigating whether a hormone that is naturally produced by the human body, called growth hormone, can help strengthen the bones of women with this type of disordered eating.

Official Title

Effect of Supraphysiological rhGH on Bone Metabolism in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa.

Conditions

• Anorexia Nervosa
• Osteopenia
• Osteoporosis
• Eating Disorders

Study Type

Interventional

Study Design

Treatment, Randomised, Single Blind (Subject), Placebo Control, Parallel Assignment, Efficacy Study.

Further Details

Primary Outcome Measures:

• Bone Metabolism

Secondary Outcome Measures:

• IGF-1

Detailed Description:

• Twelve week study
• Eight visits, six of which can be conducted at your home physician’s office
• Two bone density scans
• Hormonal and nutritional evaluations 

Study Start

January 2006

Eligibility & Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 14 Years to 45 Years
• Genders Eligible for Study: Female
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women between 14 to 45 years with anorexia nervosa

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Previous history of malignancy.
• Oral contraceptive pills or other hormones within last 8 – 12 weeks
• Medications known to affect bone within last 12 weeks
• Fracture within last 6 months

Total Enrolment

22

Contact Details

Daniel A Donoho, BA
617-643-2609
ddonoho@partners.org   

Elizabeth A Lawson, MD
617-643-0624
ealawson@partners.org

Location:

Massachusettes General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts
United States, 02114