GROWTH IMPAIRMENT, IGF-I HYPOSECRETION AND THYROID-DYSFUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH PERINATAL HIV-1 INFECTION

We evaluated the growth pattern, bone age, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF I) secretion and thyroid function in 24 perinatally infected ch ildren: 9 asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic (group 1) and 15 with a mor e advanced disease state and treated with zidovudine (group 2). Statur al and ponderal growth were compared with those of 37 at-risk children who seroreverted. During the two-year followup, 22% of children in gr oup 1 had impaired growth, 33% bone age delay, 45% reduced IGF I level s but none had thyroid dysfunction. In group 2, 53% had growth failure , 53% bone age delay, 86% reduced IGF I levels and 40% thyroid dysfunc tion. Among seroreverters, none showed growth impairment; statisticall y significant differences were found for height, weight and height vel ocity between perinatally infected children and seroreverters. Since a uxological and hormonal evaluations run parallel to the clinical cours e of infection, these indices may be useful in monitoring disease prog ression.