Abstract

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is associated with insulin resistance, visceral obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and NAFLD. The diagnosis of GHD should be suspected in all patients with hypothalamic-pituitary axis disorders. If GHD is not adequately treated before or after transplantation, the presence of NAFLD can lead to rapid progression of NASH to cirrhosis. Future research should focus on developing early detection strategies as well as biochemical and imaging techniques to monitor patients with PG for progression of NAFLD and NASH. Randomized controlled trials should evaluate optimal treatment strategies in this cohort and balance the effects on NAFLD, glucose metabolism, and diabetes risk, as well as the long-term effects on fibrosis and cancer risk. The potential of GH therapy in patients with NAFLD without GH deficiency needs to be further studied with long-term follow-up. It is important to note that the standard treatment for these patients should be a multidisciplinary approach with close collaboration between hepatologists and endocrinologists, focused on the needs of the individual patient.

Keywords

growth hormone deficiency, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis