Involvement of hormonal circadian secretion in the growth of HIV-infected children.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the circadian secretion of hormones involved in the regulation of growth in childhood, namely growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, cortisol, adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in HIV-infected children.


METHODS
The circadian secretory pattern of growth hormone, IGF-I, cortisol, ACTH and TSH was evaluated in 14 HIV-infected children; 13 healthy age- and sex-matched children were chosen as controls.


METHODS
Sampling was performed every 4 h from 0400 h to 2000 h and every 2 h from 2000 h to 0400 h. Rhythmometric data were analysed by single and population mean cosinor methods and by analysis of variance.


RESULTS
A statistically significant circadian rhythm for growth hormone, IGF-I and cortisol was detectable in HIV-seropositive children, but the mean basal IGF-I levels were below the normal range for age in 12 patients. A statistically significant circadian rhythm was not detectable for ACTH or TSH.


CONCLUSIONS
These results show that there is a loss of the physiological regulation of growth hormone-IGF-I axis and a modification of 24 h TSH profile in our HIV-infected children. These abnormalities might be involved in the altered growth mechanism leading to the failure to thrive that is a peculiar feature of HIV-infected children.
Rondanelli
M
M
Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapy, IRCCS San Matteo Hospital, Pavia, Italy.
Caselli
D
D
Maccabruni
A
A
Maghnie
M
M
Bacchella
L
L
DeStefano
A
A
Solerte
S B
SB
Minoli
L
L
Ferrari
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006128:Growth / Q000502:physiology*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism*; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000378:metabolism
D006728:Hormones; D019382:Human Growth Hormone; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D013972:Thyrotropin; D006854:Hydrocortisone