Ah. Sackey et al., GROWTH-HORMONE AS A NUTRITIONAL ADJUNCT IN CYSTIC-FIBROSIS - RESULTS OF A PILOT-STUDY, Journal of human nutrition and dietetics, 8(3), 1995, pp. 185-191
Growth hormone (GH) stimulates linear growth and improves nitrogen bal
ance in many catabolic states, including sepsis, and in malnutrition a
ssociated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In children with
cystic fibrosis (CF), these anabolic effects could aid survival and e
nhance suitability for transplantation. We assessed response to 0.49 I
U/kg/week of recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) for 6-12 months in
seven children with cystic fibrosis. All showed an initial increase i
n height velocity (0.33-4.14 cm/year) and height standard deviation sc
ore (P < 0.01). Knemometry also demonstrated a significant improvement
in lower leg growth (P < 0.05). Weight velocity increased in five pat
ients but there was no change in body mass index or skinfold thickness
. The number of respiratory exacerbations decreased during therapy, al
though there was no measurable improvement in respiratory function. Gr
owth hormone may be a useful adjunct therapy in cystic fibrosis.