Dermal Changes in Osteoporosis Following Prolonged Treatment with Human Growth Hormone

The study involved 5 patients with osteoporosis who were treated with human growth hormone (hGH) for a year, focusing on changes in their skin. The treatment appeared to normalize the abnormally thin skin associated with osteoporosis. Observations included a consistent proliferation of blood vessels, an increased number of mast cells and fibrocytes, and hyperplastic collagen bundles and elastic tissue fibers that became more horizontally oriented. The fine, vertical elastic fibrils of the papillary dermis, which were decreased before treatment, seemed to be restored to their normal configuration. The study suggested that the direct action of hGH on the skin was limited to mesenchymal structures, as there was no evidence of stimulation of hair, sebum, or melanin.