Cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima media thickness in young adults born small for gestational age after cessation of growth hormone treatment: a 5-year longitudinal study

Abstract

Whereas most SGA children experience spontaneous catch-up growth leading to the achievement of normal adult height, approximately 10% remain short and are candidates for GH therapy. SGA subjects have increased cardio-metabolic disease risk [17] and the effects of GH treatment on blood pressure, body composition, glucose metabolism and lipid profile have been investigated [18]. Recently, interest has been focused on the cardiovascular disease risk in adults treated with GH during childhood. Data from the French SAGhE (Safety and Appropriateness of GH therapy in Europe) study cohort have shown increased cerebrovascular mortality rate [19], although not confirmed in other SAGhE cohorts [20]. In theory, children born SGA, having intrinsic higher cardio-metabolic risk, might be at even higher risk if exposed to long-term GH therapy.