CHANGES IN BODY-COMPOSITION OF CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC-RENAL-FAILURE DURING GROWTH-HORMONE TREATMENT

Growth hormone (GH) has different known metabolic effects, among which are lipolysis and anabolic action. We have studied the changes in bod y composition of children with chronic renal failure (CRF) after 1 yea r of daily treatment with GH. Body fat percentage and fat body mass (F BM) were derived from four site skinfold measurements; lean body mass (LBM) from total body potassium (TBK) and mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC); bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual photon absorp tiometry. GH treatment had a positive effect on weight, height and MAM C, but no effect on LBM (as reflected by TBK), FBM and BMD. Z-scores w ere derived in order to compare subjects with a normal population. Whi le no significant change in z-score was noticed for weight, height, MA MC, FBM and BMD, TBK decreased during treatment. We conclude that GH t herapy does not ultimately increase LBM in CRF patients compared with other GH-treated groups.