Study of Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy in Veterans With Gulf War Illness and Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency to Improve Body Fat and Symptoms

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of growth hormone replacement therapy GHRT in veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Illness GWI and adult growth hormone deficiency AGHD. Veterans with GWI often have symptoms like fatigue, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and cognitive problems, which overlap with symptoms seen in AGHD. The study will explore if GHRT can reduce trunk fat and improve these symptoms, and whether a larger trial is warranted to further investigate GHRTs benefits for this group. Participants will receive daily injections of recombinant human growth hormone starting at 200-300 mcg per day. The dose may be adjusted every two weeks over six weeks to reach target IGF-1 levels, with a maximum dose of 2,000 mcg per day as tolerated. The treatment lasts six months, with follow-up visits at days 14, 40, 65, 90, and 180. Body composition scans will measure trunk fat at the start, midpoint, and end of treatment. During the trial, veterans will complete questionnaires and cognitive tests before and after treatment. Researchers will assess changes in trunk fat, lean body mass, quality of life, fatigue, mood symptoms, pain, and cardiometabolic risk factors. Safety and treatment adherence will be monitored throughout. The total participation period includes screening and six months of therapy with multiple clinical visits and assessments.

Growth Hormone Replacement in Veterans With GWI and AGHD (GWIT)