Long-term effects of growth hormone therapy on bone mineral density, body composition, and serum lipid levels in growth hormone deficient children: a 6-year follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) and GH replacement therapy (GHRx) on bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition.


METHODS
59 GHD children participated (age range 0.4-16.9 years); the follow-up period was 6 years. Lumbar spine BMD (BMD(LS)), total-body BMD (BMD(TB)), and body composition were measured prospectively using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.


RESULTS
Mean BMD(LS )and BMD(TB) were significantly reduced at the time of the diagnosis. The bone mineral apparent density of the lumbar spine (BMAD(LS)) was reduced to a lesser degree. The BMAD(LS) increased to normal values after 1 year; BMD(LS) and BMD(TB) normalized 1 year later. At the time of the diagnosis, the lean body mass was reduced and steadily increased during GHRx. Percentage of body fat was increased at baseline and normalized within 6 months. The severity of GHD was not associated with the BMD at diagnosis or the response to GHRx.


CONCLUSIONS
Areal BMD(LS) and BMD(TB) and, to a lesser extent, BMAD(LS) are decreased in GHD children, but normalize within 1-2 years.
van der Sluis
Inge M
IM
Department of Pediatrics, Subdivision of Endocrinology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. vandesluis@alkg.azr.nl
Boot
Annemieke M
AM
Hop
Wim C
WC
De Rijke
Yolanda B
YB
Krenning
Eric P
EP
de Muinck Keizer-Schrama
Sabine M P F
SM
D000293:Adolescent; D001823:Body Composition / Q000187:drug effects*; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism; D001928:Brain Diseases, Metabolic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011627:Puberty / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013995:Time
D008055:Lipids; D013006:Growth Hormone