Endocrine Abstracts

Aims: Previous studies of acromegaly have suggested a prevalence of 60 per million and an incidence of 3-4 per million per year. We have performed a population-based survey to ascertain prevalence and incidence of acromegaly, and biochemical outcomes to treatment. Methods: We have reviewed case notes of all patients with acromegaly under the care of the endocrine unit (referral population of 700,000). Growth hormone (GH) and IGF-1 levels at follow-up were examined. Results: There were 58 cases of acromegaly (prevelance of 83 per million inhabitants) and 41 cases had been diagnosed in the past 20 years (average incidence of 3 per million new cases per million inhabitants.) Acromegaly was more common in females (58%). Mean age at diagnosis was 46.3 years. Diabetes was present at diagnosis in 12% cases. Macroadenomas were found in 67% patients (n=28). To date, 41 patients have had surgery and 31 patients radiotherapy. At follow-up, 25 (43%) patients had normal GH levels (GH < 5 milli International Units per Litre during growth hormone suppression test or day profile) and/ or IGF-1 within the normal range. 17 (29%) patients had raised GH and/ or IGF-1 levels. 16 (28%) patients showed discrepancy between GH and IGF-1 levels. 8 (14%) patients had normal GH levels with elevated IGF-1 levels, while 8 (14%) patients had raised GH levels with normal IGF-1. Conclusions: We found prevalence of acromegaly to be higher than previously reported with no change in incidence suggesting improved survival in acromegaly. There was frequently discrepancy between GH and IGF-1 status at follow-up.