Growth Hormone Replacement in Veterans With GWI and AGHD (GWIT)
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The goal of the GWIT Study is to assess whether growth hormone replacement therapy is a safe and effective treatment for veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI) and adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD). The main questions the study aims to answer are: 1. Is growth hormone effective at reducing fat in the trunk of the body and symptoms of GWI among veterans with GWI and growth hormone deficiency? 2. Do the results of the study suggest there is merit in pursuing a larger trial to examine the efficacy of growth hormone as a treatment for growth hormone deficiency among veterans with Gulf War Illness? To determine eligibility for the study, veterans will be asked to complete several assessments including questionnaires, blood tests, and a scan of the brain. Participants who qualify for the study will receive recombinant human growth hormone for 6-months. A body composition scan will be performed at Day1, Day 90, and Day 180 of the intervention. Questionnaires and cognitive tests will also be collected before and after the trial.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. veteran of the Gulf War conflict with a history of deployment to Operation Desert Storm or Desert Shield between 1990-91 2. age less than or equal to 64 years old 3. have a diagnosis of Gulf War Illness assessed by study investigators 4. have adult growth hormone deficiency diagnosed by glucagon stimulation test (cut point 3.0 mcg/L if BMI is less than or equal to 25 or 1.0 mcg/L if BMI is greater than 25) 5. 4-week stability on any psychotropic medications 6. 3-month stability on all hormone treatments 7. able and willing to provide informed consent to participant in the study and complete study protocol Exclusion Criteria: 1. history of a psychiatric disorder with substantial impact on functional status or quality of life (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar, or other psychotic disorder) 2. history of neurologic disorder other than traumatic brain injury with substantial impact on the quality of life 3. other known cause for growth hormone de