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Increases in hemoglobin concentration and iron needs in response to growth hormone treatment
E Vihervuori1, I Sipilä, M A Siimes
1Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
Recombinant human growth hormone treatment in children with short stature increased hemoglobin levels and iron deficiency. Iron supplementation may be necessary during growth hormone therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Hematology
Background:
- Short stature affects numerous children globally.
- Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is a standard treatment for children with short stature.
- The metabolic effects of rhGH, particularly on iron status, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of rhGH therapy on hemoglobin and iron status in children with short stature.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 36 children with short stature were monitored for 6 months during rhGH treatment.
- Hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and serum transferrin levels were measured before and after treatment.
- Iron deficiency prevalence was calculated based on established criteria.
Main Results:
- Mean hemoglobin concentration significantly increased (p < 0.001) in all patients, with the highest elevation in those with bone dysplasia.
- Mean serum ferritin decreased (p < 0.01) and serum transferrin increased (p < 0.001).
- The prevalence of iron deficiency rose from 17% to 56% after rhGH therapy.
Conclusions:
- rhGH therapy in children with short stature leads to significant alterations in iron metabolism.
- Increased iron deficiency prevalence suggests a need for monitoring and potential iron supplementation.
- Further research should explore the mechanisms behind rhGH-induced iron changes.
Abstract:
We studied 36 children with short stature during the initial 6 months of recombinant human growth hormone treatment and found an elevation in the mean concentration of hemoglobin (p < 0.001). The elevation was highest in the eight patients with bone dysplasia (p < 0.001). The mean concentration of serum ferritin decreased (p < 0.01) and that of serum transferrin increased (p < 0.001). The prevalence of iron deficiency increased from 6 patients (17%) with initial deficiency to 20 (56%) patients after therapy, indicating that iron supplementation should be considered in children treated with recombinant human growth hormone.