The influence of bromocriptine on serum levels of growth hormone and other pituitary hormones and its metabolic effects in active acromegaly.

The effect of treatment with bromocriptine for 12--18 months on serum GH and metabolic responses was studied in sixteen patients with active acromegaly. Of this group ten patients showing a sustained GH reduction of more than 50% during an 8 h bromocriptine test, proved to be responsive to long-term therapy. In the responding patients GH levels decreased to 38% of the pretreatment level after 12 months of therapy. A dose higher than 10 mg did not produce a significantly greater effect. Prolactin and LH levels decreased in all patients, FSH levels showed a significant rise. Testosterone levels in the male patients increased significantly, indicating that the state of hypogonadism can at least be partially reversed. The GH levels became normal in only one patient. We conclude that the role of bromocriptine in acromagaly is limited and selective pituitary operation and/or irradiation is preferred as definitive treatment in most patients.