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Growth and thyroid function in children treated with growth hormone.
P Pirazzoli1, E Cacciari, M Mandini
1First Pediatric Clinic, University of Bologna, Italy.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) therapy impacts thyroid function in children with isolated GH deficiency. GH treatment enhances the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3), influencing growth response.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Children with isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) often exhibit altered metabolic profiles.
- Understanding the interplay between growth hormone (GH) and thyroid function is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy on thyroid hormone levels in children with IGHD.
- To determine if these thyroid function changes correlate with the growth response to GH therapy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 57 children with IGHD receiving rhGH therapy.
- Measurement of thyroid function tests (T3, T4, free T4, TSH) and IGF-I at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months of therapy, during withdrawal, and after re-administration.
- Correlation analysis between growth velocity and thyroid hormone levels.
Main Results:
- GH therapy led to increased serum triiodothyronine (T3) and T3/T4 ratio, with decreased total thyroxine (T4) and free T4 levels after 12 months.
- Thyrotropin (TSH) levels showed transient increases upon GH withdrawal.
- The positive growth response correlated with higher T3/T4 ratios and lower T4/free T4 levels.
Conclusions:
- GH therapy in children with IGHD enhances peripheral conversion of T4 to T3.
- This GH-induced alteration in thyroid hormone metabolism is linked to the growth-promoting effects of GH.
- The findings suggest that thyroid function modulation is an important aspect of GH therapy response.