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Metabolic consequences of growth hormone treatment in paediatric practice

P Saenger1

  • 1Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA. phsaenger@aol.com

Hormone Research
|July 15, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone (GH) therapy in children shows no significant metabolic side-effects over 5 years. While insulin levels rise, they remain normal, mirroring physiological changes during puberty and potentially enhancing anabolic effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Growth Hormone Therapy

Background:

  • Growth hormone (GH) deficiency and related conditions require therapeutic intervention.
  • Long-term metabolic effects of GH therapy in children are a key area of clinical interest.
  • Understanding carbohydrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity during childhood growth is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term metabolic safety of growth hormone (GH) therapy in children.
  • To assess changes in insulin levels, glucose, and HbA1c during extended GH treatment.
  • To investigate the relationship between GH therapy, insulin sensitivity, and pubertal physiological changes.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal study over 5 years.
  • Monitoring of metabolic parameters including insulin, glucose, and HbA1c.
  • Comparison of metabolic changes with normal pubertal development.

Main Results:

  • No clinically significant metabolic side-effects were reported during 5-year GH therapy.
  • Insulin levels, glucose, and HbA1c remained within normal ranges.
  • GH therapy may prolong the physiological insulin resistance state observed in normal puberty.

Conclusions:

  • GH therapy demonstrates a favorable metabolic safety profile in children over a 5-year period.
  • Observed hyperinsulinaemia is likely a physiological adaptation, potentially enhancing anabolic insulin effects.
  • GH treatment appears safe for metabolic health in pediatric patients studied.

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