Dopamine agonists
For those who are unresponsive to somatostatin analogues, or for whom they are otherwise contraindicated, it is possible to treat using one of the dopamine agonists, bromocriptine or cabergoline. As tablets rather than injections, they cost considerably less. These drugs can also be used as an adjunct to somatostatin analogue therapy. They are most effective in those whose pituitary tumours cosecrete prolactin. Side effects of these dopamine agonists include gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, light-headedness when standing, and nasal congestion. These side effects can be reduced or eliminated if medication is started at a very low dose at bedtime, taken with food, and gradually increased to the full therapeutic dose. Bromocriptine lowers GH and IGF-1 levels and reduces tumor size in fewer than half of people with acromegaly. Some people report improvement in their symptoms although their GH and IGF-1 levels still are elevated. Growth hormone receptor antagonists
The latest development in the medical treatment of acromegaly is the use of growth hormone receptor antagonists. The only available member of this family is pegvisomant (Somavert). By blocking the action of the endogenous growth hormone molecules, this compound is able to control the disease activity of acromegaly in virtually everyone with acromegaly. Pegvisomant has to be administered subcutaneously by daily injections. Combinations of long-acting somatostatin analogues and weekly injections of pegvisomant seem to be equally effective as daily injections of pegvisomant. Surgery
Surgical removal of the pituitary tumor is usually effective in lowering growth hormone levels. Two surgical procedures are available for use.
The parents of a child with an autosomal recessive disorder are carriers of one copy of the defective gene, but are usually not affected by the disorder.The prevalence of mutations associated with this condition reach 68% to 81% in certain arctic coastal populations, suggesting that the condition had some adaptive value in those habitats at some time. Fewer than 50 people have been identified with this condition. Diagnosis
Genetic testing is necessary for diagnosis. Differential diagnosis
This condition is sometimes mistaken for fatty acid and ketogenesis disorders such as Medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MCAD), other long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders such as Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency (CPT-II) and Reye syndrome. Treatment
Treatment for this condition is supportive. There is no cure. Affected people should eat a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet and avoid fasting. See also
Primary carnitine deficiency
Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency

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This article incorporates public domain text from The U.S. National Library of Medicine