Prevalence, comorbidities and treatment outcomes of patients with Acromegaly in Qatar. Running title: Acromegaly in Qatar
This study highlights a prevalence of acromegaly in Qatar at 1.90 per 100,000, with over half of patients experiencing persistent disease despite surgery.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the pasireotide corpusSummary and findings
This study measured the prevalence and treatment outcomes of patients with acromegaly in Qatar, involving 58 cases identified from a population of approximately 3.05 million. The study reported a prevalence of 1.90 per 100,000 and highlighted various comorbidities and treatment approaches, including a low rate of pasireotide use at 1.8%. The findings underscore the need for enhanced monitoring and treatment strategies in this population.
Abstract
Abstract Background: Acromegaly is associated with increased morbidity and reduced life expectancy. There are no previously published data on the presentation and management of patients with acromegaly in Qatar. Methods: This retrospective cohort study includes patients with acromegaly managed at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) between 1989 and 2024. Results: A total of 58 cases were identified in a population of ~3.05 million, yielding a prevalence of 1.90 per 100,000 (95% CI: 1.41–2.39). The mean age was 45.2±10.9 years, and 65.5% were male. The most common comorbidities were obesity (84.5%), diabetes (53.4%), and hypertension (46.6%). Tumor characteristics showed that 70.7% had macroadenomas and 12.1% had microadenomas, with a median tumor size of 14 mm (range: 11–18 mm). The most frequent histological subtype was GH-secreting adenomas (43.1%), followed by mixed GH & PRL adenomas (10.3%). Transsphenoidal surgery was performed in 87.9% of cases (52.9% at HMC, 47.1% outside Qatar), while 12.1% underwent pituitary radiotherapy. Medical therapy included octreotide (43.1%), cabergoline (32.8%), and pasireotide (1.8%), with no cases receiving pegvisomant. Postoperative MRI showed residual tumors in 41.4%, while 31.0% had no visible tumor, and MRI was not performed in 13.8%. Biochemical assessment indicated persistent disease in 53.4% of patients, while 32.8% achieved disease control, and data was not available for 13.8%. Conclusion: We report a high prevalence of acromegaly and associated comorbidities, and despite a high rate of transsphenoidal surgery, over half of patients have persistent disease, emphasizing the need for improved disease monitoring and treatment strategies in Qatar.