Abstract
To investigate the GH-induced changes in body composition we studied the lean and fat tissues, bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) of GH-deficient children by DEXA (Lunar, WI), before and after they were 174±14 days on hGH (0.075 U/Kg/day). Eight pre-pubertal children (4 boys), aging 6.2-14.1 yr (bone ages: 2-9 yr), were enrolled. All had peak GH responses to clonidine and insulin 0.05) and no change in body weight (+0.9±1.4 Kg; p>0.05); (ii) decreased body fat (−32±16 %; p<0.05: −42±32 % in arms, −304.10 in abdm and −29±20 % in legs); (iii) increased lean body mass (+11±12 %; p<0.05: 4264.9 % in legs); (iv) increased BMC (7±6 %; p<0.05: −5±4 % in the head; + 21±21 % in arms; +18±9 % in legs); (v) decreased BMD (−2.3±2.9 %; p<0.05: −6.4±4.3 % in the head, +6.9±6.6 % in pelvis, +4.3 ± 3.1 % in arms, + 3.7±2.2 % in legs). In conclusion, GH treatment caused body fat to decrease and lean mass to increase; because BMC increased significantly, the lower BMD is probably related to increased bone surface.
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