Improvement of growth-hormone stimulation with l-dopa/l-carbidopa by simultaneous administration of propranolol (author's transl)

Abstract

The effect of simultaneous administration of 250 mg L-dopa + 25 mg L-carbidopa (Nacom) and 1 mg propranolol/kg body weight (maximal dose 40 mg propranolol) on growth-hormone secretion was tested in 96 children with growth retardation. The results were compared with those in a group of children that had been receiving only L-dopa and L-carbidopa. The additional administration of propranolol reduced the number of children unresponsive to adequate growth-hormone stimulation from 16% to 9.5%. There was no significant difference in mean maximal growth-hormone level between both groups, but the addition of propranolol caused a more long-lasting rise in serum growth hormone levels. Some of the children who previously had failed to have a satisfactory rise in growth-hormone level after L-dopa and L-carbidopa showed satisfactory stimulation when propranolol was added. Since only three blood samples need be taken (0, 45 and 90 minutes) and no significant side effects were noted, the combined treatment is suitable for out-patient use.