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Evaluation of thyroid function during growth hormone therapy
Insights
Growth hormone replacement therapy in children did not alter thyroid function. Studies showed no changes in thyroid hormones, TSH, or thyroid hormone disposal rates during human growth hormone (HGH) treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Thyroid Function
- Hormone Therapy
Background:
- Previous reports suggested growth hormone (GH) administration may decrease thyroid hormone levels and iodine uptake.
- The impact of long-term human growth hormone (HGH) therapy on thyroid function in children requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess thyroid function indices in children with growth hormone deficiency before and during long-term HGH therapy.
- To investigate the effects of HGH on thyroid hormone levels, thyroidal response to TSH, and thyroid hormone disposal rates.
Main Methods:
- Two groups of growth hormone deficient children were studied.
- Thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4, TBG capacity, T3 resin uptake) were performed.
- Thyroidal response to TSH and thyroid hormone disposal rates were measured before and during HGH therapy.
Main Results:
- HGH therapy did not significantly alter blood levels of T4, T3, or TSH.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) capacity and T3 resin uptake remained unaffected.
- No changes were observed in the thyroidal response to TSH or the disposal rates of thyroid hormones.
Conclusions:
- Long-term HGH therapy in children with growth hormone deficiency does not adversely affect thyroid function.
- Current findings contradict some previous reports suggesting potential thyroid alterations during GH administration.
Abstract:
Decrease in the blood levels of PBI, in the thyroidal uptake of iodine, and diminished effect of TRH on TSH release have been reported to occur during growth hormone administration. We assessed thyroid function indices in two groups of growth hormone deficient children before and during long-term HGH therapy. Eight patients were given TSH prior and at 2, 4, and 6 mo of growth hormone treatment. In four other children, the disposal rates of simultaneously administered I125-T4 and I131-T3 were measured before and at 2 and 6 mo after initiation of HGH replacement. Blood levels of TSH, T3, T4, TBG capacity, and the T3 resin uptake were obtained at the time of each study. Growth hormone therapy did not affect the blood levels of T4, T3, TSH, TBG capacity, the T3 resin uptake, the thyroidal response to exogenous TSH, nor the disposal rates of thyroid hormones.