Risk Assessment of Cardiovascular Atherogenicity in Growth Hormone-Deficient Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is associated with various metabolic disturbances.
• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in children require thorough investigation.
• Dyslipidemia and atherogenic indices are key indicators of cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate cardiovascular atherogenic risk in children with GHD.
• To compare lipid profiles and plasma atherogenic indices (PAI) between GHD children and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A comparative cross-sectional study involving 90 children (aged 3-12 years).
• Participants were categorized into GHD and control groups based on diagnostic tests.
• Fasting lipid profiles (TC, TG, HDL, LDL, non-HDL) and PAI were assessed.

Main Results:

• Children with GHD exhibited significantly higher total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, and PAI (p <0.001).
• HDL levels were lower in the GHD group compared to controls.
• Elevated non-HDL cholesterol was observed in 100% of GHD children, and 77.8% had high PAI.

Conclusions:

• Children with GHD present with dyslipidemia and increased atherogenic risk markers.
• These findings indicate a heightened predisposition to premature atherosclerosis in pediatric GHD.
• Early monitoring of lipid profiles and atherogenic markers is crucial for GHD patients.