METABOLIC CONSEQUENCES OF 5-YEAR GROWTH-HORMONE (GH) THERAPY IN CHILDREN TREATED WITH GH FOR IDIOPATHIC SHORT STATURE

In a multicenter study the metabolic effects of 5 yr of GH therapy in children with idiopathic short stature were evaluated. Patients receiv ed 0.3 mg.kg.week recombinant human GH. Of the 121 patients who entere d the study, data for 62 were analyzed at the final 5 yr point. Routin e laboratory determinations were available for all 62 subjects at the 5 yr point. Special laboratory determinations, such as postprandial gl ucose and insulin, were available for only a subset of patients. Mean insulin-like growth factor I levels rose to 283 +/- 101 mu g/L, within the normal range using age-appropriate reference standards. T-4, chol esterol, triglycerides, blood chemistries, and blood pressure showed n o significant changes during the 5-yr period. Mean baseline and 2-h po stprandial glucose levels remained unchanged. Both fasting and postpra ndial insulin levels rose substantively from low normal levels to the normal range (median, 4.9-43 mU/L). Mean hemoglobin A(1c) levels remai ned within the normal range throughout the study. In summary, careful monitoring has not revealed any currently discernible metabolic side-e ffects of clinical significance after GH therapy in this 5-yr study of children with idiopathic short stature.