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Increase in bone density and plasma osteocalcin during growth hormone therapy in growth hormone deficient children

F Greig1, E Greenfield, V Prasad

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone (GH) therapy improves bone density in children with GH deficiency. This study shows GH treatment significantly increases bone formation and mineralization, leading to sustained gains in bone density over two years.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Bone Metabolism
  • Growth Disorders

Background:

  • Children with growth hormone (GH) deficiency exhibit reduced bone density beyond that explained by delayed skeletal maturation.
  • Previous research indicates that GH administration enhances bone mineral retention and deposition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of two years of GH therapy on bone density and plasma osteocalcin levels in prepubertal children with GH deficiency.

Main Methods:

  • Bone density of phalanges (cortical and trabecular bone) was measured using radiographic photodensitometry.
  • Bone density was expressed as a standard deviation score (SDS) relative to sex, bone age, and chronological age.
  • Plasma osteocalcin levels were measured before and during GH therapy.

Main Results:

  • Relative osteopenia improved significantly during GH therapy, with bone density/chronological age (BD/CA) showing significant increases after 12 and 24 months.
  • Bone density/bone age (BD/BA) also improved significantly after 24 months of GH therapy.
  • Plasma osteocalcin levels, initially low, rose significantly within one week of GH therapy and remained elevated throughout the 24-month study period.

Conclusions:

  • GH therapy in GH deficient children leads to an early and sustained increase in plasma osteocalcin.
  • This is followed by a significant and prolonged enhancement of bone formation and mineralization, evidenced by improved bone density.
  • GH therapy demonstrates a significant effect on bone health in addition to promoting linear growth in these children.
Abstract

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