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Growth retardation and reduced growth hormone secretion in cystic fibrosis. Clinical observations from three CF

D'Orazio Ciro1, Rita Padoan2, Hannah Blau3

  • 1CFC Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Italy.

Journal of Cystic Fibrosis : Official Journal of the European Cystic Fibrosis Society
|September 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Growth delay in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients may stem from impaired growth hormone (GH) secretion. This study found a higher prevalence of GH release deficit in pediatric CF patients, suggesting it as an independent cause of growth delay.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Cystic Fibrosis Research
  • Growth Hormone Physiology

Background:

  • Growth delay is common in cystic fibrosis (CF), often attributed to respiratory issues and malabsorption.
  • Some CF patients experience growth delay without severe pulmonary disease or malabsorption.
  • Reduced growth hormone (GH) secretion has been observed in some CF populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of growth hormone release deficit (GHRD) in pediatric CF patients with unexplained growth delay.
  • To determine if GHRD is an independent factor contributing to growth delay in CF.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of CF patients aged 5-16 years (2006-2011).
  • Inclusion criteria: below 3rd height percentile or growth faltering >2SD, without severe clinical explanations.
  • Standard GH provocative tests were administered to eligible patients.

Main Results:

  • Out of 285 eligible patients, 33 met height criteria.
  • 18 patients underwent GH release tests after excluding those with clear clinical causes for failure to thrive.
  • 12 out of 18 patients (66.7%) demonstrated a GH release deficit.

Conclusions:

  • Impaired GH secretion is more prevalent in CF patients than in the general population.
  • GH release impairment may represent an independent cause of growth delay in cystic fibrosis.
  • Findings align with studies showing low GH levels in CF animal models and neonates.
Abstract

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