Short boys treated with growth hormone show normal progression of testicular size and achieve normal serum testosterone concentrations.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether there is evidence for impaired testicular function at final height in short boys treated with growth hormone (GH) during their childhood and adolescence.


METHODS
The analysis was restricted to males who had isolated GH deficiency or idiopathic short stature, and who were included in the Swedish National Registry and the Swedish GH trials. The subjects had to have been treated with GH for at least 4 years; the treatment had to have been started prepubertally, given for at least one year before the onset of puberty and the subjects had to have reached final height. One hundred and eleven boys fulfilled the criteria.


METHODS
Testicular volumes were determined by orchidometer in each boy when GH treatment was started and at final height. Samples for testosterone measurements were collected from 77 boys at final height, and were measured by RIA.


RESULTS
Each subject had normal testicular size (15 ml or more) and for those in whom concentrations were determined, serum testosterone levels and diurnal rhythm were normal.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of our survey do not show evidence of testicular impairment following GH therapy.
Ankarberg-Lindgren
Carina
C
Goteborg Pediatric Growth Research Center, Institute for the Health of Women and Children, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Goteborg University, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, S-416 85, Sweden.
Norjavaara
Ensio
E
Wikland
Kerstin Albertsson
KA
D000293:Adolescent; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000172:deficiency / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008661:Metabolism, Inborn Errors / Q000188:drug therapy; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D012016:Reference Values; D013737:Testis / Q000254:growth & development*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood*
D013739:Testosterone; D013006:Growth Hormone