BIRTH DATA OF PATIENTS WITH CROW HORMONE DCEICICNCY

Abstract

The pathogenesis of idiopathic GH deficiency (CHD) is not clear and it was presumed that GH is not essential for prenatal growth. We have therefore analysed in the clinical and auxological data of patients with CHD. History of pregnancy, birth history and birth data as well as postpartal data were evalutated. 48 unselected patients (boys:girls=2.1) with complete CHD had isolated (IGHD, n=24) or multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPHD, n=24). 25% of the patients were born prematurely. Complications during pregnancy (impending abortion, gestesis) were observed in 27% of patients. Abnormal birthe occured in 40% (breech and fontling presentation, assisted delivery). Birth length of boys (−1.0±1.3SDS;p<0.01) and of girls (−0.4±1.0SDS;ns) was reduced when compared to local reference data. The data for ICHD and MPHD patients (−0.9±1.3SDS vs. −0.8±1.2SDS) were not different. Birth weight was reduced in boys (−0.8±1.2SDS;p<0.05) but not in girls (+0.06±1.3SDS). No difference in birth weight was found between IGHD and MPHD (−0.4±1.5SDS and −0.6±1.5SDS), respectively. This indicates relative overweight already at birth. 50% of patients had various complications during the postpartal period (prolonged jaundice, hypoglycemia etc.). Maternal height was −0.5±1.2SDS and did not correl;ate with patients length at birth. In conclusion, we have shown that children with idiopathic GHD as a group are short at birth and have relative overweight. This may indicate the importance of GH for prenatal growth. In a high proportion of patients with idiopathic CHD perinatal complications were observed.