Effect of growth hormone therapy on feeding problems and food intake in children with growth disorders

To assess the effect of therapeutic doses of growth hormone (GH) on the fee ding problems, food intake, body fat and mealtime interactions of children with growth disorders, an age-matched group of 46 children with Turner synd rome (TS) or Silver Russell syndrome (SRS) was examined using questionnaire measures and direct observation. The children's body fat was measured usin g bio-electrical impedance analysis and skinfold thickness measurements. Ch ildren receiving GH consumed significantly more energy, protein, fat and ca rbohydrate than did the children who were not receiving GH, independent of the extent of the child's feeding problems. Children receiving GH had less body fat than did children who were not receiving GH. Children who were not receiving GH distracted their parents from the mealtime significantly more often and received more negative prompting and coaxing from their parents to eat than did children who were receiving GH. This study provides evidenc e to support the theory that appetite and intake is determined in part by g rowth and growth potential. Feeding problems seen in children with growth d isorders are partly due to parental attempts to impose control over their c hild's intake, when their child consumes less than the parent believes to b e adequate. Conclusion: GH has a significant impact on both the food intake and parent- child interaction at mealtimes of children with SRS and TS.