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High prevalence of eosinophilia in growth hormone-deficient children
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan. kawada@med.uoeh-u.ac.jp
Insights
Eosinophilia is common in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). High eosinophil counts may blunt growth hormone (GH) response to stimulation tests, impacting GHD diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Hematology
Background:
- Eosinophilia is frequently observed in children diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD).
- A study investigated the clinical significance of eosinophilia in 72 children and adolescents with GHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the clinical significance of eosinophilia in growth-hormone (GH)-deficient children.
- To assess the impact of eosinophilia on GH deficiency diagnosis and response to therapy.
Main Methods:
- Complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral blood smear microscopy were performed.
- Evaluated eosinophil counts in relation to growth hormone deficiency and stimulation tests.
Main Results:
- Before treatment, 41.7% of subjects had elevated differential eosinophil counts (>5%) and 37.5% had elevated absolute eosinophil counts (>350 /microL).
- Growth hormone therapy did not significantly alter eosinophil counts.
- An inverse relationship was observed between absolute eosinophil count and peak GH response to L-dopa stimulation (P=0.044).
Conclusions:
- Eosinophilia is prevalent in children with GHD.
- Elevated eosinophil counts may selectively blunt GH response to L-dopa stimulation.
- Consider eosinophilia when interpreting GH response to stimulation tests for GHD diagnosis.
Background:
To determine the clinical significance of eosinophilia in growth-hormone (GH)-deficient children, a clinical study consisting of 72 children and adolescents (mean age 9 years and 6 months at diagnosis) with GH deficiency (GHD) was undertaken. Patients were treated with GH, along with supplementation for the combined deficiency in patients with multiple hormone deficiency.
Methods:
A complete blood count and hemogram with microscopic examination of a peripheral blood smear was performed.
Results:
Before treatment, differential eosinophil counts exceeded 5% in 30 subjects (41.7%) and absolute eosinophil counts were >350 /microL in 27 subjects (37.5%). Growth hormone therapy did not significantly affect eosinophil counts. There was an inverse relationship between absolute eosinophil count and peak GH value in response to the L-dopa stimulation test (n=65; Rs=-0.252; P=0.044).
Conclusions:
For the diagnosis of GHD, one should take into account that GH response to L-dopa stimulation can be selectively blunted in patients with eosinophilia.