[Influence of growth hormone (GH) and nutrition on neonatal growth].
OBJECTIVE
At present, growth regulating factors in the transition from fetal to postnatal life remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of GH and nutrition on neonatal growth.


METHODS
Serum and 24-hour urine GH levels, various anthopometric variables and daily energy and nutrient intake were measured in appropriate (AGA), large (LGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) newborn infants. These variables were measured at 1 (n = 98), 3 (n = 41) and 5 weeks of postnatal age (n = 8).


RESULTS
The highest GH levels at the 1st week of postnatal life were obtained in preterm SGA infants (GHs: 61.4 +/- 20.0 microUI/m; GHu: 18.6 +/- 10.3 ng/kg/24 h). GH levels decreased in preterm infants, so that differences between groups failed to be significant at the third and fifth weeks of postnatal life. Urinary GH excretion did not show significant variations in the control group during the study (1st wk 3.0 +/- 3.5; 3rd wk 2.3 +/- 2.7; 5th wk 3.2 +/- 4.7 ng/kg/24 h). Daily protein intake had a direct relationship with both triceps skinfold and weight and head perimeter increase. SGA preterm infants showed a higher fat increase compared to AGA preterm infants. Serum and urinary GH levels were not related to the anthopometric variables studied.


CONCLUSIONS
There are differences in GH secretion and body composition between SGA and AGA preterm infants. GH probably does not contribute to neonatal growth.
Díaz-Gómez
N M
NM
Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería y Fisioterapia, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife.
Doménech Martínez
E
E
Barroso Guerrero
F
F
Cortabarria Bayona
C
C
Rico Sevillano
J
J
D000886:Anthropometry; D001724:Birth Weight; D002657:Child Development; D005865:Gestational Age; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000652:urine*; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn
D013006:Growth Hormone
Influencia de la GH y de la nutrición sobre el crecimiento en el periodo neonatal.