Growth hormone secretion in growth-retarded asthmatic children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Growth retardation is a concern in children with severe asthma.
• Corticosteroid use in asthmatic children can be associated with impaired growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the serum growth hormone response to Bovril in growth-retarded children with severe asthma.
• To evaluate the potential utility of growth hormone therapy in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• The study involved 12 children diagnosed with severe asthma and growth retardation.
• Serum growth hormone levels were measured following Bovril administration.
• Patient history regarding corticosteroid use and pre-treatment growth status was considered.

Main Results:

• The serum growth hormone response to Bovril was found to be normal in the studied children.
• Eight children receiving corticosteroids were noted to be small for their age prior to steroid initiation.

Conclusions:

• There is no evidence to support the use of growth hormone treatment for growth-retarded children with severe asthma.
• The normal growth hormone response suggests that other factors may contribute to growth issues in this cohort.