COSCIENS Biopharma Inc T.CSCI

Consequences of overdiagnosing growth hormone deficiency

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Based on the information provided, there are some concerns about potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children, which could have significant health and financial consequences:

Diagnostic Challenges

The macimorelin test results released recently have raised questions about the accuracy of standard GHD diagnostic tests in children. This suggests there may be issues with current testing methods potentially leading to overdiagnosis.

Health Consequences of Overtreatment

Overtreatment with growth hormone (GH) therapy can have several negative health effects:

• Long-term risks: Prolonged exposure to high levels of GH can lead to irreversible acromegaly, even with smaller doses.
• Metabolic effects: Unnecessary GH treatment may alter metabolism and increase risks of diabetes and cardiovascular issues.
• Psychological impact: Misdiagnosis and unneeded treatment can cause undue stress and anxiety for children and families.

Financial Burden

Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of GHD have significant economic implications:

• High treatment costs: GH therapy is expensive, with treated patients incurring substantially higher healthcare costs than untreated individuals.
• Long-term economic impact: Unnecessary treatment often continues for years, compounding the financial burden on families and healthcare systems.
• Resource allocation: Overtreatment diverts medical resources from patients who truly need GH therapy.

Industry Implications

The potential for overdiagnosis presents challenges for the pharmaceutical industry:

• Scrutiny of diagnostic criteria: There may be increased pressure to refine and improve GHD testing methods.
• Treatment guidelines: Clinical guidelines for initiating GH therapy may need to be reevaluated.
• Market impact: If overdiagnosis is confirmed, it could affect the market for GH treatments.

Need for Further Research

The situation highlights the need for:

• Improved diagnostic accuracy for childhood GHD
• Long-term studies on the effects of GH therapy in borderline cases
• Cost-effectiveness analyses of current diagnostic and treatment approaches

While GH therapy remains crucial for children with true GHD, the potential for overdiagnosis and overtreatment underscores the importance of careful evaluation and judicious use of these powerful medications