Abstract
We have performed 24 h growth hormone (GH) profiles on 52 children of varying stature, sampling intermittently at 15-20 minute intervals. GH pulse amplitudes and areas under GH pulses were compared with height velocity.
The relationship between height velocity SDS (y) and any one of the parameters of GH secretion (x) was described by the asymptotic regression y = a - b (e−cx), where a, b and c are constants. This was confirmed by regressing height velocity SDS against the log of the GH secretion parameters yielding a straight line (r = 0.73 p<0.001).
These data would predict that the growth of third centile children growing at a normal velocity could be augmented by increasing circulating GH concentration. We have tested this hypothesis by administering synthetic GH (Somatonorm:Kabi), 2 units s.c. nocte 6 nights out of 7, Co 17 short children. Pretreatment height velocity SDS of -0.49 (SD 0.39) rose to ± 2.86 (0.89) over 6 months of therapy.
We conclude that height velocity is controlled by GH pulse amplitude. We can find no discontinuity between GH deficiency and normality indicating that GH secretion in childhood is a continuum.
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Hindmarsh, P., Smith, P., Pringle, P. et al. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HEIGHT VELOCITY AND 24 HOUR GROWTH HORMONE SECRETION. Pediatr Res 20, 1179 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198611000-00036
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198611000-00036
