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Metabolic implications of GH treatment in small for gestational age

E M Delemarre1, J Rotteveel, H A Delemarre-van de Waal

  • 1Medical School Leiden University Medical Center, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

European Journal of Endocrinology
|October 11, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) may experience growth issues. This review examines if human growth hormone (GH) treatment impacts long-term glucose, insulin, and lipid metabolism in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Growth Hormone Therapy

Background:

  • Fetal growth retardation and low birth weight are linked to reduced adult height and increased risks of adult metabolic diseases like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease.
  • Persistent postnatal growth retardation, characterized by incomplete catch-up growth, can be addressed with human growth hormone (GH) therapy.
  • The growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor I (GH/IGF-I) axis plays a crucial role in regulating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing data on the long-term metabolic implications of GH treatment in children born small for gestational age (SGA).
  • To address the unanswered question regarding the effects of GH therapy on glucose/insulin and lipid metabolism in SGA children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of available scientific literature and data.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the GH/IGF-I axis and its metabolic functions.
  • Examination of outcomes related to glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles in SGA children treated with GH.

Main Results:

  • The review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the GH/IGF-I axis's role in metabolism.
  • Data on the long-term metabolic effects of GH treatment in SGA children is evaluated.
  • The article highlights the ongoing need for comprehensive understanding of these implications.

Conclusions:

  • The long-term metabolic consequences of growth hormone (GH) treatment in children born small for gestational age (SGA) require further investigation.
  • Understanding the impact of GH therapy on glucose, insulin, and lipid metabolism is critical for optimizing treatment strategies.
  • Continued research is necessary to fully elucidate the benefits and risks associated with GH treatment in this population.

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