title: Low Growth Hormone Levels in Short-Stature Children with Pituitary Hyperplasia Secondary to Primary Hypothyroidism.
abstract: Objective. The follow-up of GH levels in short-stature children with pituitary hyperplasia secondary to primary hypothyroidism (PPH) is reported in a few cases. We aimed to observe changes in GH secretion in short-stature children with PPH. Methods. A total of 11 short-stature children with PPH accompanied by low GH levels were included. They received levothyroxine therapy after diagnosis. Their thyroid hormones, IGF-1, PRL, and pituitary height were measured at baseline and 3 months after therapy. GH stimulation tests were performed at baseline and after regression of thyroid hormones and pituitary. Results. At baseline, they had decreased GH peak and FT3 and FT4 levels and elevated TSH levels. Decreased IGF-1 levels were found in seven children. Elevated PRL levels and positive thyroid antibodies were found in 10 children. The mean pituitary height was 14.3 ± 3.8 mm. After 3 months, FT3, FT4, and IGF-1 levels were significantly increased (all p < 0.01), and values of TSH, PRL, and pituitary height were significantly decreased (all p < 0.001). After 6 months, pituitary hyperplasia completely regressed. GH levels returned to normal in nine children and were still low in two children. Conclusion. GH secretion can be resolved in most short-stature children with PPH.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, 9677 Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China ; Department of Child Health Care, Shandong Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 238 Jingshi East Road, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China.
authors.forename: Minghua
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, 9677 Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China.
authors.forename: Yanyan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, 9677 Jingshi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China.
authors.forename: Guimei
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, The People's Hospital of Lanshan District, 51 Lanshan Road, Linyi, Shandong 276000, China.
authors.forename: Wenwen
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hu