Auxological and Biochemical Continuum of Short Children Born Small for Gestational Age (SGA) during Growth Hormone (GH) Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: The role of growth hormone (GH) on body composition in Japanese children born small for gestational age (SGA) has not been fully elucidated.

Methods: Every six months, the total GH dose was adjusted: SGA, 33-66 μg/kg/day, or GHD, 25-30 μg/kg/day. Changes in metabolic parameters (HbA1c, leptin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were recorded. Changes in the body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS), BMI percentile, and percent overweight were also evaluated.

Results: Over a 3-year period of GH treatment, significant increases in Δ height SDS and Δ insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) were observed. The HbA1c and leptin levels were generally unaffected. Favorable changes in the lipid profiles were recorded, and these changes were maintained for the study duration. No adverse changes in BMI SDS, BMI percentile, or percent overweight were noted.

Conclusion: GH treatment had a positive impact on height, and any changes observed in safety parameters, such as lipid profiles, HbA1c and BMI SD, were considered to be related to the natural course of growth in children and to be clinically insignificant.