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Growth hormone response to clonidine in obese children

S K Singh1, J K Agrawal, M Rai

  • 1Department of Medicine, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.

Indian Pediatrics
|July 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Obese children show a subnormal growth hormone (GH) response to oral clonidine. Exercise and insulin-induced hypoglycemia tests also revealed diminished GH secretion in this group.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Growth Hormone Physiology
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • Obesity in children is a growing concern with potential impacts on endocrine function.
  • Growth hormone (GH) secretion plays a crucial role in childhood development.
  • Assessing GH secretion is important for identifying potential growth disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate basal and stimulated serum growth hormone (GH) levels in normal-statured obese children.
  • To compare GH responses to exercise, insulin-induced hypoglycemia (IIH), and oral clonidine in obese children.
  • To determine if obesity affects GH secretion in response to various stimuli.

Main Methods:

  • Serum GH levels were measured in 20 normal-statured obese children (16 males, 4 females) with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/M2.
  • Stimulated GH release was assessed following exercise, IIH, and oral clonidine administration.
  • Basal GH levels were compared to those of non-obese children.

Main Results:

  • Basal serum GH levels in obese children were comparable to non-obese children.
  • Mean peak GH levels after exercise, IIH, and clonidine were 3.16, 2.15, and 3.15 ng/ml, respectively.
  • Positive GH responses (peak > 7 ng/ml) were observed in only 10% of children after exercise and clonidine, and in none after IIH.

Conclusions:

  • Obese children exhibit a subnormal GH response to oral clonidine.
  • The GH response to exercise and IIH may also be diminished in obese children.
  • These findings suggest potential alterations in GH regulation associated with childhood obesity.

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