Persistent de Quervain tenosynovitis induced by somatotropin treatment

Abstract

AbstractBackground:Growth hormone deficiency is a well-known clinical entity that is usually treated with somatotropin (growth hormone). Growth hormone has some frequent side effects such as intracranial hypertension, lymphedema and diabetes mellitus.Case presentation:We report the case of a 14-year-old girl with a history of wrist pain and clumsiness. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed de Quervain tenosynovitis. The patient had a history of using growth hormones for 12 months. We conservatively managed the patient with corticosteroid injections and oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and followed the course. However, the conservative treatment methods failed, and we recommended surgery, which was rejected. She was given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and was followed up for 2 years, at the end of which her visual analog scale had decreased from 80 to 50.Conclusions:To the best of our knowledge this is the first case of de Quervain tenosynovitis related to somatotropin treatment. Physicians should consider the possibility of musculoskeletal side effects after somatotropin treatment.