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

Abstract

Introduction: Endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Patients in remission may experience many comorbidities, including growth hormone deficiency (GHD).

Areas covered: Electronic searches (PubMed) were conducted through July 2025. The published data largely pertain to patients with Cushing's disease (CS caused by a pituitary tumor). This article reviews the epidemiology of GHD in patients with CS in remission, underlying mechanisms, and clinical manifestations. The diagnosis of GHD is discussed along with data on the effectiveness and safety of growth hormone replacement.

Expert opinion: 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.