Endocrine Abstracts

Acromegaly is a condition associated with many co-morbidities and increased mortality. Over the last decades, advances in the management of this condition have led to improvement of the prognosis of the patients. Nonetheless, achievement of biochemical targets by various treatment modalities does not always translate to reversal of acromegaly-related morbidities. These include alterations in cardiovascular function, sleep apnoea syndromes, negative impact on bone health with high risk of fractures, arthropathy with joint pains and limitations in mobility, disorders in glucose metabolism and compromised quality of life (physical, emotional and mental aspects). Duration and severity of acromegaly have been proposed as factors associated with persistence of co-morbidities suggesting that not only effective but also early biochemical control should take priority in the management algorithm of the patients. Furthermore, long-term follow-up of the adverse sequelae of growth hormone excess on body systems and appropriate management of them by a multi-disciplinary team are considered key elements for the optimal care of patients in apparent biochemical remission.