A Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acromegaly Comorbidities: An Update

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the Acromegaly Consensus Group was to revise and update the consensus on diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly comorbidities last published in 2013.

Participants: The Consensus Group, convened by 11 Steering Committee members, consisted of 45 experts in the medical and surgical management of acromegaly. The authors received no corporate funding or remuneration.

Evidence: This evidence-based consensus was developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to describe both the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence following critical discussion of the current literature on the diagnosis and treatment of acromegaly comorbidities.

Consensus process: Acromegaly Consensus Group participants conducted comprehensive literature searches for English-language papers on selected topics, reviewed brief presentations on each topic, and discussed current practice and recommendations in breakout groups. Consensus recommendations were developed based on all presentations and discussions. Members of the Scientific Committee graded the quality of the supporting evidence and the consensus recommendations using the GRADE system.

Conclusions: Evidence-based approach consensus recommendations address important clinical issues regarding multidisciplinary management of acromegaly-related cardiovascular, endocrine, metabolic, and oncologic comorbidities, sleep apnea, and bone and joint disorders and their sequelae, as well as their effects on quality of life and mortality.

Keywords: acromegaly; comorbidities; consensus; diagnosis; treatment.