Studies conducted show that the drug "targets the tumor to control in four areas: in the site where hypersecretion starts, in GH secretion, IGF-1 and in the symptoms associated with the disease (Unknown, 2004)." While the drug has been approved, there are still contraindications to taking it such as a patient who has an irregular or slow heart rate, or blood sugar levels which are either too high or too low. Occurrence

Although gigantism begins prior to puberty, the "majority of giants eventually demonstrate features of acromegaly, of which the mean age for the onset is within the 3rd decade of life. Even a congenital onset of GH excess has been suggested by linear growth acceleration occurring within the first few months of life in young children with documented gigantism (http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/84/12/4379)." Although there is no accurate number of individuals who have had gigantism, the disease is so rare that there have only been around 100 reported cases.

Prognosis and Complications

There is no prevention for gigantism, however the patient can expect a good prognosis from pituitary surgery due to its ability to limit GH production.

An individual may develop complications such as "the development of secondary sexual characteristics may be delayed, and surgery and radiation can both lead to deficiencies in other pituitary hormones causing hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, hypogonagism, and in rare cases diabetes insipidus (www.shands.org/health/information/001174trt.htm)."

Gigantism usually "occurs as an isolated disorder, however it may also be a feature of an underlying medical condition such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type-1, McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS), neurofibromatosis, Carney complex (http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/84/12/4379)."

Conclusion

Gigantism is a disease that affects an individual prior to puberty, unlike the similar disease acromegaly, which strikes later in life. The condition is caused by excessive growth hormone secretion....

This hormone "stimulates the growth of bones, muscles, and many internal organs and excessive amounts lead to abnormally robust growth of all of these tissues. Certain rare tumors of the pancreas and lungs also can produce hormones that stimulate the pituitary to produce excessive amounts of growth hormone (http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec13/ch162/ch162e.html)."
The condition can be treated in a number of ways such as surgery, drug therapy and radiation. The prognosis is good for an individual who is properly diagnosed and receives treatment.

While there is no means to prevent gigantism, it is an extremely rare disease and is referred to as an orphan disease due to this rarity.

Researchers are currently looking for a cure to the disease and there are a number of trials underway to help them with their efforts. It is hoped that scientists will one day find a way to stop this disease and the individuals affected will be able to lead normal lives without disfiguration.

Gigantism

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Gigantism. (accessed 20 November, 2004). www.thedoctorslounge.net/clinlounge/diseases/endocrinology/gigantism).

Pituitary Gigantism. (accessed 20 November, 2004). www.medfamily.org/diagnosis/P/diagnosis-terms-Pituitary_gigantism).

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Skatssoon, Judy. (21 May, 2002). "NSW: New discovery could lead to cure for dwaftism, gigantism." AAP General News (Australia).

Unknown. (01 June, 2004). "Novartis Sandostatin LAR approved in Japan for Acromegaly. Worldwide Biotech.