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Retinal and choroidal microvascular assessment of children receiving recombinant growth hormone therapy : Study
Ismail Omar1, Yousra Samir Fadle2, Noura M Ibrahim El Bakry2
1Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, El-Minya, Egypt. ismail.omar@mu.edu.eg.
Insights
Recombinant human growth hormone treatment did not alter retinal or choroidal microvasculature in children with isolated growth hormone deficiency. This study compared microvascular changes in these children to healthy controls using OCTA.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Congenital isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) affects growth and may impact microvasculature.
- Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is a standard treatment for IGHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess retinal and choroidal microvascular changes in children with IGHD.
- To evaluate the effect of rhGH treatment on these microvascular structures.
- To compare microvascular parameters between IGHD patients and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used to examine superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC).
- Retinal thickness was also measured.
- Two groups were studied: children with IGHD on rhGH therapy and age/gender-matched healthy controls.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in SCP, DCP, or CC vessel density were found between the IGHD and control groups.
- No significant differences in macular thickness were observed.
- While controls were taller, other demographic factors were similar between groups.
Conclusions:
- rhGH therapy does not appear to induce changes in the retinal and choroidal microvasculature or macular thickness in children with IGHD.
- Further research may explore long-term effects or different treatment modalities.
Background:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the retinal and choroidal microvascular state in children with congenital isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) and determine the effect of recombinant human growth hormone treatment on these structures compared with healthy controls.
Methods:
The study included children with IGHD under recombinant human GH treatment as group one and another group of healthy controls. Both groups were examined using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Data concerning superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), choriocapillaris (CC), and retinal thickness were recorded.
Results:
The study included two equal groups of 30 individuals. Both groups had no statistically significant differences in age, gender, weight, or spherical equivalent. However, subjects of group II were taller than those of group I (p = 0.011). OCTA images of the SCP, DCP, and CC vessel density revealed statistically non-significant differences between the two groups.
Conclusion:
Children receiving recombinant growth hormone therapy showed no changes in the retinal and choroidal microvasculature or macular thickness.
Trial Registration Number:
1094/03/2024 by Minia University Faculty of Medicine Institutional Review Board. Another registration number is UMIN000055654.
