Abstract
Unwanted metabolic effects of growth hormone (GH) in the early phase of treatment have been reported but are thought to be transient. Persisting changes after 12 months are less well documented. 15 short normal children, identified in the community, mean age 7.8 years (T group), were monitored for 3 years on high dose GH treatment (30IU/m2/week) together with a control group of untreated short children (C group). At the onset no significant differences were observed between groups for any parameter. At 3 years mean fasting serum insulin was significantly higher in the T group, (T 9.3, C 6.2mU/L, p=.011). Neither group showed significant changes in mean fasting glucose or HbA1, therefore insulin/glucose ratio was significantly different (T 2.03, C 1.34, p=.017). Cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased very slightly in both groups. We have already reported early changes in body composition and these appear to persist. The treated children are still leaner (lean body mass T 26.1, C 20.9Kg, p<.001) with less body fat (T 13.5, C 18%, p=.015). This pattern is observed in both sexes. Treated children have grown well with a significant improvement in height SDS from −2.4 to −1.17. Bone age matured appropriately resulting in an improved predicted adult height. Although a satisfactory growth response has been obtained, it is of concern that some metabolic and body composition changes persist. Continued close monitoring is indicated.
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McCauqhey, E., Voss, L., Mulligan, J. et al. METABOLIC CONSEQUENCES OF HIGH DOSE OH TREATMENT. Pediatr Res 33 (Suppl 5), S56 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199305001-00320
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199305001-00320
