GROWTH HORMONE LEVELS IN NORMOGLYCEMIC AND HYPOGLYCEMIC INFANTS BORN SMALL FOR GESTATIONAL AGE

Abstract

Recent investigations have raised the possibility that growth hormone (GH) influences intra-uterine weight and length. Moreover, the hypoglycemic tendency of small for gestational age (FSGA) infants and their small size could result from GH deficiency. To verify these hypotheses, a prospective study of daily serum GH and glucose levels was conducted in 46 newborn infants, including 18 FSCA infants, 18-full-term, appropriate for gestational age (FAGA), and 10 premature (PR) infants. Two FSGA babies became hypoglycemic. Both manifested normal GH competence as evidenced by normal daily GH levels, adequate GH response to arginine provocation, and satisfactory growth for over 2 years. Eleven of 12 FSGA babies followed from 14 to 26 months showed no evidence of impaired linear growth. The FSGA babies had GH values similar in magnitude and pattern to those of FAGA and PR infants. During the second half of the first postnatal day, a significant rise in serum GH occurred in all infants regardless of their size or gestational age; this rise may be the result of the stimulating effect of early milk feedings. GH deficiency does not appear to contribute to either the small size or hypoglycemic tendency of FSGA newborn infants.