Growth retardation in fetal alcohol syndrome. Unresponsiveness to growth-promoting hormones.
The relationships between growth retardation and metabolic and hormonal parameters were studied in 7 children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Fasting blood concentrations of TSH, T4, T3, FSH and LH were normal. Plasma prolactin concentrations after chlorpromazine stimulation were normal. 3 children had abnormal oral glucose tolerance tests with increased plasma insulin response. Peak plasma growth hormone responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia were elevated in 5 patients. Fasting bioassayable serum somatomedin activity, determined in 6 patients, was elevated in 3 patients and normal in 3 patients. Administration of hGH to 3 patients with FAS had little effect upon nitrogen retention and did not increase plasma insulin concentrations, although serum somatomedin activity sharply increased in 1 patient evaluated for somatomedin response. The data indicate that the growth defect in FAS is not due to deficiency of growth-promoting hormones, but rather to peripheral unresponsiveness.
D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary / Q000097:blood; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000209:etiology; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D013002:Somatomedins / Q000378:metabolism; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000097:blood
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary; D013002:Somatomedins; D013963:Thyroid Hormones; D013006:Growth Hormone; D006854:Hydrocortisone