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Published on: November 16, 2011
GH and cortisol response to glucagon administration in short children
1School of Clinical Medical Sciences (Child Health), University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. H.C.Johnstone@ncl.ac.uk
Insights
Growth hormone (GH) status does not significantly impact glucose response to glucagon in children. However, age influences GH and cortisol levels in short, normal children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Growth Hormone Deficiency
Background:
- Assessing growth hormone (GH) status is crucial in pediatric endocrinology.
- Understanding glucose metabolism in relation to hormonal function is important for growth disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if growth hormone (GH) status correlates with glucose response to glucagon.
- To identify factors influencing maximum GH and cortisol concentrations in children.
Main Methods:
- 95 children with short stature or suspected hypothalamo-pituitary dysfunction were studied.
- Participants were categorized into normal, organic GH-deficient, or non-organic GH-deficient groups.
- Assessment included medical history, GH response, and MRI findings.
Main Results:
- Glucose response to glucagon was not associated with GH status.
- Peak GH response positively correlated with age in prepubertal children.
- Peak cortisol levels showed an inverse relationship with age.
Conclusions:
- GH status is not a primary factor affecting glucose response to glucagon.
- Age is a significant factor in the GH and cortisol response patterns of short, normal children.
Objective:
To establish whether there is a link between GH status and glucose response to glucagon and to identify determinants of maximum GH and cortisol concentrations.
Methods:
95 children referred for assessment of short stature, slow growth or suspected hypothalamo-pituitary dysfunction were assigned to normal, organic GH-deficient or non-organic GH-deficient groups on the basis of history, GH response and MRI findings.
Results:
Baseline glucose and glucose nadir were related to age in normal children, but the glucose response to glucagon was not linked to GH status. Peak GH response was positively related to age in prepubertal children and peak cortisol was inversely related to age.
Conclusions:
GH status is not a major determinant of the glucose response to glucagon. There is a relationship between age and the GH/cortisol response in short normal children.
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