Chronobiologic considerations in human growth hormone therapy.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Growth Disorders

Background:

• Serum growth hormone (GH) concentration exhibits significant diurnal variation.
• Understanding the optimal timing for GH administration is crucial for effective therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of administration timing on growth hormone replacement therapy outcomes in children.
• To determine if morning versus evening GH administration affects growth rate and somatomedin levels.

Main Methods:

• Nine children with growth hormone deficiency participated in the study.
• A comparative analysis of morning and evening growth hormone treatment schedules was performed.
• Growth rates and somatomedin concentrations were monitored throughout the study.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in growth rate were observed between morning and evening GH administration.
• Somatomedin concentrations did not differ significantly between the two treatment schedules.
• Peak somatomedin levels occurred approximately 24 hours post-injection, with variability between doses.

Conclusions:

• The timing of growth hormone administration does not appear to be a critical factor in therapy for children with GH deficiency.
• Treatment schedules can be flexible regarding morning or evening administration.
• Further research may explore other factors influencing somatomedin response variability.