Peak Growth Hormone Research Articles

Isolated growth hormone deficiency in children with vertically transmitted short stature: What do the genes tell us?

The growth hormone deficiency (GHD) diagnosis is controversial especially due to low specificity of growth hormone (GH) stimulation tests. It is therefore believed that children diagnosed with GHD form a heterogeneous group with growth disorder frequently independent on GH function. No study evaluating the complex etiology of growth failure in children with diagnosed GHD has been performed thus far. To discover genetic etiology of short stature in children with diagnosed GHD from families with short stature. Fifty-two children diagnosed with primary GHD and vertically transmitted short stature (height SDS in the child and his/her shorter parent <-2 SD) were included to our study. The GHD diagnosis was based on growth data suggestive of GHD, absence of substantial disproportionality (sitting height to total height ratio <-2 SD or >+2 SD), IGF-1 levels <0 for age and sex specific SD and peak GH concentration <10 ug/L in two stimulation tests. All children were examined using next-generation sequencing methods, and the genetic variants were subsequently evaluated by American College of Medical Genetics standards and guidelines. The age of children at enrollment into the study was 11 years (median, IQR 9-14 years), their height prior to GH treatment was -3.0 SD (-3.6 to -2.8 SD), IGF-1 concentration -1.4 SD (-2.0 to -1.1 SD), and maximal stimulated GH 6.3 ug/L (4.8-7.6 ug/L). No child had multiple pituitary hormone deficiency or a midbrain region pathology. Causative variant in a gene that affects growth was discovered in 15/52 (29%) children. Of them, only 2 (13%) had a genetic variant affecting GH secretion or function (GHSR and OTX2). Interestingly, in 10 (67%) children we discovered a primary growth plate disorder (ACAN, COL1A2, COL11A1, COL2A1, EXT2, FGFR3, NF1, NPR2, PTPN11 [2x]), in one (7%) a genetic variant impairing IGF-1 action (IGFALS) and in two (12%) a variant in miscellaneous genes (SALL4, MBTPS2). In children with vertically transmitted short stature, genetic results frequently did not correspond with the clinical diagnosis of GH deficiency. These results underline the doubtful reliability of methods standardly used to diagnose GH deficiency.

Growth Hormone Cut-Off Post Glucagon Stimulation Test in an Indian Cohort of Overweight/Obese Hypopituitary Patients for the Diagnosis of Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency.

Obesity has been associated with reduced growth hormone (GH) secretion, which might lead to the over diagnosis of adult GH deficiency (GHD) in overweight (OW)/obese hypopituitary patients. Currently, there are no body mass index (BMI)-specific peak GH cut-offs for the glucagon stimulation test (GST) for assessing adult GHD in India, given the BMI cut-offs vary for Asians. The study's main objective was to determine a peak GH cut-off level for the diagnosis of adult GHD in overweight (OW)/obese individuals utilizing the GST. Forty OW/obese subjects were studied in two groups of 20 each. The first group included 20 OW/obese hypopituitary adults and the second group included 20 control subjects. The intervention consisted of a 3 h GST. The main outcome measured was the peak GH level on GST. The mean age of control subjects was lower (33.15 ± 7.67 v/s. 42.10 ± 13.70 years; P = 0.017) in comparison with hypopituitary adults. The mean BMI (27.93 ± 1.63 v/s. 25.81 ± 1.66 kg/m2; P < 0.001), mean IGF1 (272.81 ± 38.57 v/s. 163.75 ± 42.42; P < 0.001, and mean HOMA IR (11.8 ± 9.7 v/s. 6.02 ± 3.14; P = 0.02) was greater in OW/obese controls. The mean GH peak was significantly higher in control subjects (5.41 ± 3.59 ng/mL v/s. 1.49 ± 1.25 ng/mL; P < 0.001) compared to hypopituitary subjects. ROC curve analysis demonstrated a GH cut-off of 3.3 ng/mL with a moderate sensitivity of 70% and high specificity of 95%, with an AUC of 0.838 (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] of 0.710-0.965) for the diagnosis of GHD in overweight/obese hypopituitary adults. This study demonstrates that a cut-off of 3.3 ng/mL would diagnose GHD in Indian overweight/obese hypopituitary adults.

Prediabetes and mild hepatosteatosis are associated with blunted cortisol response to glucagon but not to growth hormone

BackgroundAlthough there is a close relationship between cortisol and growth hormone (GH) levels, glucose intolerance and hepatosteatosis, changes in GH and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis were not previously studied in prediabetes. The main purpose of the present study was to assess changes in GH and HPA axis and their relationship with hepatosteatosis in prediabetic patients. MethodsForty prediabetic patients, with body-mass index (BMI) 25–35kg/m2, and 23 healthy individuals, with normal glucose tolerance and similar age and BMI, were included. The 75g oral glucose tolerance test and glucagon stimulation test (GST) were used. ResultsNo significant differences were detected between prediabetic patients and healthy individuals in terms of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), IGF-1/IGFBP3 ratio or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). GH responses to GST did not differ between groups. On the other hand, peak cortisol and area under the curve (AUC) (cortisol) response on GST were significantly lower in prediabetic patients. Both peak GH and AUC (GH) response on GST correlated negatively with waist circumference and body weight. The degree of hepatosteatosis correlated negatively with peak cortisol, GH, AUC (cortisol) and AUC (GH) response on GST. ConclusionCortisol response to GST is decreased in prediabetic patients, with relatively well conserved GH response. This suggests altered HPA axis responsiveness in prediabetes, as is known in diabetes. Thus, HPA axis changes in patients with diabetes probably start before the development of diabetes as such.

Evaluation of cardiac structure, exercise capacity and electrocardiography parameters in children with partial and complete growth hormone deficiency and their changes with short term growth hormone replacement therapy.

To evaluate cardiac structure, exercise capacity and electrocardiography (ECG) parameters of children with complete and partial growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) and the effect of 12 months GH treatment on these. M-mode echocardiography, ECG and exercise test expressed as metabolic equivalent (MET) were performed in children with GHD, aged 9-14 years, divided into those with a peak GH response < 7µg/L (complete GHD; n = 30) and 7-10µg/L (partial GHD; n = 17) after two GH stimulation tests, at baseline and 12 months after GH initiation. Forty-eight healthy peers underwent the same tests once. Left ventricular mass (LVM) was significantly lower before treatment in both groups with GHD compared to healthy peers (p = 0.015 and p = 0.032) but LVM in the GHD groups was similar to controls after 12 months of treatment. The increase in LVM in the complete GHD group was significant (p = 0.044). LVM index was significantly reduced with treatment in children with partial GHD (p = 0.035). Max METs, VO2max and exercise duration were significantly increased in children with complete GHD after treatment (p = 0.022, p = 0.015 and p = 0.002, respectively). Significant changes in P wave and QTc dispersion on ECG between groups were within physiological limits. This study showed that children with both partial and complete GHD had smaller cardiac structures and less exercise capacity compared to their healthy peers prior to GH treatment but this improved with 12 months of treatment. The cardiac trophic effect of GH, as well as the effect of increasing exercise capacity, is greater in those with complete GHD than in those with partial GHD.

Abstract 87

Introduction: Severe short stature is defined as a height standard deviation score (SDS) of less than −3 below the mean for chronological age and sex. Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is one of the most important causes of short stature. The diagnosis of GHD is classically established after two provocative tests in patients with short stature. Only three growth hormone (GH) provocative agents like insulin, clonidine, and glucagon are available in India. The insulin tolerance test (ITT), although considered agold standard test, is infrequently used nowadays as it poses several risks. Clonidine stimulation test (CST) is the most performed stimulation test due to being easily available and less cumbersome. The glucagon stimulation test (GST), offers several advantages over other tests, in view ofmultiple sample requirements, it has been poorly studied to date in India. In this study, weanalyzedthe diagnostic efficacy of GST andCST in suspected GHD cohorts and compared the peak GH level between these tests. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in 3000 bedded multi-specialty tertiary care center, in South Tamil Nadu between 2020 and 2022. Based on the auxological criteria, 33 patients of severe short stature with suspected GHD were included in this cross-sectional study after IEC approval. They were subjected to CST and GST on two different weeks according to standard protocols. Blood samples were collected for GH at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutesfollowing clonidine stimulation and 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutesafter Glucagon stimulation. GH assay was performed by using electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA - Roche Diagnostics - Cobas e411 analyzer). A Peak GH level of less than 8 ng/ml is considered diagnostic of GHD. All procedures were carried out inthe early morning after an overnight fast. Patients of peripubertal age were primed with Estradiol valerate for 3 days before performing the tests. Results: Among 33 patients,18 were males and 15 were females. The mean chronological age was 11.5 ± 4.1 years. The mean height SDS, weight SDS and target height SDSwere-4.22 ± 1.2, -3.55 ± 1.14, and -1.45 ± 0.95 respectively. Among 33 patients, 27 patients were diagnosed withGHD, and 6 patients with Idiopathic short stature (ISS). The mean peak GH level during CST and GST in diagnosing GHD were 2.0015 ± 0.718 (Range 0.17 – 6.4 ng/ml) and 1.244 ± 0.442 (Range 0.16 – 5.3 ng/ml) respectively. Whereas mean peak GH levels with CST and GST in patients with ISS were 16.3233 ± 7.579 (Range 11.3 – 23.9 ng/ml) and 12.7717 ± 2.812 (Range 11.0 – 14.7 ng/ml) respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of CST was 100.00% (87.23% to 100.00%), 90% (52.1 to 92.2%) respectively. Whereas sensitivity and specificity of GST were 100.00%(80.49% to 100.00%), and 100%(54.07% to 100.00%). Results of both CST and GST were concordant in 30 (91%) patients whereas discordant in 3 (9%) patients. The number and percentage of peak GH levelsnoted with CST at 0 min, 60 min, and 90 minwere 3 (9.1%), 10 (30.3%), and 20 (60.6%) respectively. No peak GH level was noted at 30 min, and 120 min during CST. The number and percentageof peak GH levels with GST at0 min, 120 min, and 180 min were 3 (9.1%), 14 (42.4%), and 16 (48.5%) respectively. No peak GH level occurredat 30, 60, 90 and 150 min during GST. MRI showed normal pituitary, hypoplastic pituitary, and pituitary stalk interruption syndrome in 10 (30%), 13 (40%), and 10 (30%) of patients respectively. Conclusions: The utility of both CST and GST was comparable in diagnosing short stature with severe GHD. However, CST performs better than GST inassessing the severity of GH deficiency in these patients. Our study concluded that the number and timing of blood sampling can be minimized into three following both CST (0, 60, 90 minutes) as well as GST (0, 120, 180 min) without sacrificing accuracy.

PSAT104 Predicting Response to Growth Hormone Therapy with Pituitary Volume and The Growth Hormone Stimulation Test

Abstract Background Patients with diminished growth hormone (GH) secretion are candidates for GH therapy (GHT). The GH stimulation test (GHST) is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of GH deficiency (GHD), yet its efficacy has been questioned. In this study we explore the GHST and PV's ability to define GHD and determine their individual ability to predict GHT outcomes. Subjects and Methods A database at a Pediatric Endocrinology center was queried for patients aged 6-18 yrs who underwent a GHST, MRI, and GHT between 1/2018 - 1/2021. Patients with a first follow up (FU) between 3 and 9 months were included; of these patients, second FUs were included if they occurred between 9 and 15 months. Patients with relevant comorbidities, those with GHST peak ≥ 10.0 ng/mL, and nonadherent patients were excluded. MRIs were acquired on a Philips 1.5 or 3.0 T scanner (2mm slices) and PV was calculated using the ellipsoid formula (LxWxH/2). PV and height were converted to SDS. Response to treatment was defined as change in height SDS over the assessed time interval. A multiple linear regression was utilized to analyze the response to GHT relative to peak GH and PV, with initial height and age at stimulation included as covariates. The relationship between peak GH and PV SDS was analyzed with a Pearson correlation Results The first FU ranged between 3.1 and 8.9 months, and the second FU ranged between 9.0 and 14.9 months. 145 patients had one FU, and 83 patients had two FUs. Peak GH and PV SDS were not correlated (r=0.03). Patients who were relatively shorter for their age and gender at stimulation had higher growth rates in the first interval, but not in the second interval. Both PV and peak GH provided information about response to GHT. PV SDS negatively predicted the relative growth response to treatment in the first interval (slope=-0.03, p=0.048). However, PV only explained 3.7% of variation in growth. PV SDS was not a useful predictor of response in the second interval (slope=-0.01, p=0.693). Peak GH was a predictor of response to GHT in the first interval only after accounting for age at stimulation and initial height (slope=-0.01, p=0.032; r2=0.01). Peak GH was a predictor of response in the second interval (slope=-0.02, p=0.040), explaining 5.1% of the variation in growth. Conclusion Since peak GH and PV were not correlated, they likely reflect different physiological processes. PV and peak GH both provide information about response to GHT, so they should both be utilized to determine eligibility for GHT. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

PMON313 Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia and Growth Hormone Deficiency Secondary to 20p11 Deletion

Abstract Introduction Hyperinsulinism (HI) and growth hormone deficiency (GHD) are known causes of hypoglycemia but not commonly found together. We present a 4-month-old boy with hypoglycemia found to have both HI and GHD with subsequent genetic diagnosis of 20p11 deletion. This deletion has been associated with panhypopituitarism. This case represents a few to report HI as a manifestation of this deletion. Treatment with both recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) and Diazoxide led to blood glucose (BG) normalization. Clinical Case A 4-month-old, full-term, large for gestational age (96th percentile), born to a nondiabetic mother presented with hypoglycemic seizures. He had transient hypoglycemia at birth, normal newborn screen, and exclusively breastfeeding with normal growth and development. He had a negative 60-hour video EEG. Further work-up was significant for serum glucose of 54 mg/dL despite blood draw being 20 minutes after a breastfeed, prompting endocrinology evaluation. Physical exam showed no dysmorphism and normal genitalia. He had a serum glucose of 39 mg/dL while asymptomatic. Critical sample revealed detectable insulin (3.2 mcIU/mL), low beta hydroxybutyrate (145.6 mcmol/L) and low growth hormone (GH) (4.2 ng/dL). He had normal cortisol, lactic acid and ammonia. A glucagon challenge showed an increase in BG of 26 mg/dL (35--&amp;gt;61 mg/dL). He had a GH stimulation test with arginine (peak GH 3.8 ng/dL) and glucagon (peak GH 6.6 ng/dL). He had mildly elevated liver enzymes that resolved on repeat testing. Plasma amino acid, plasma acylcarnitine profile, urine organic acids, and brain MRI were normal. He was initially started on rhGH with continued hypoglycemia, hence, Diazoxide, and chlorothiazide were added. His BG was monitored until dextrose infusion was successfully weaned, while maintaining normoglycemia. Genetic testing with next-generation sequencing revealed 20p11.22-p11.21 deletion. He was discharged on Diazoxide (12 mg/kg/day), chlorothiazide, and rhGH (0.27 mg/kg/week). Conclusion It is important to determine the cause of hypoglycemia so specific treatment can be provided. HI is a common cause of hypoglycemia in infants due to abnormal insulin secretion in the pancreatic beta cells. GHD can also cause hypoglycemia and be associated with other pituitary hormone deficiencies. Evaluation of our patient's hypoglycemia revealed HI, GHD and 20p11 deletion. This deletion has been associated with hypoglycemia due to GHD and few reports with HI. This patient will need to be regularly screened for other pituitary hormone abnormalities. Other features of 20p11 deletion include cognitive delay, craniofacial dysmorphisms, gastrointestinal and genitourinary anomalies. While hypoglycemia is often the result of a single cause, this case shows that there are pathological conditions that can present with both GHD and HI, so the differential diagnosis for hypoglycemia should remain broad. Presentation: Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

ODP379 Brain MRIs may be value in children with isolated growth hormone deficiency whose peak GH level below 5 ng/mL in two growth hormone provocation test

Abstract Brain MRIs are considered essential in the evaluation of children diagnosed with growth hormonedeficiency (GHD), but there is uncertainty about the appropriate cut-off for diagnosis of GHD and little data about the yield of significant abnormal findings in patients with peak growth hormone (GH) of 7–10 ng/mL. We aimed to assess the frequency of pathogenic MRIs and associated risk factors in relation to peak GH concentrations. In this retrospective multicenter study, charts of patients diagnosed with GHD who subsequently had a brain MRI were reviewed. MRIs findings were categorized as normal, incidental, of uncertain significance, or pathogenic pituitary hypoplasia, small stalk and/or ectopic posterior pituitary and tumors. Of the 379 patients with GHD, 60.4% had normal MRIs. 22.4% had incidental findings, 3.2% had pathogenic findings including ectopic pituitary gland, pituitary hypoplasia, and pituitary stalk interruption syndrome. Patient with peak GH level &amp;lt;5 ng/mL had a significantly higher prevalence of pathogenic findings. Presentation: No date and time listed

RF02 | PMON323 Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome, polydactyly, polymicrogyria and a ZRSR2 variant

Abstract Background Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) may associate with brain midline defects and also with polydactyly (GLI2 mutations) but rarely with brain cortex anomalies. Clinical Case We report a boy referred at age 19 months because of growth failure. Bilateral postaxial polydactyly, syndactyly of the toes, and a nodule on the tongue were noted at term birth. The neonatal course was complicated by marked but transient hypoglycemia. During infancy, the acquisition of gross motor skills was slightly delayed. Upon referral, body length was 4.1 SD below the level of mid-parental height. Extremely low concentrations of circulating IGF-I (8 mcg/L) and IGFBP-3 (861 mcg/L) were suggestive of growth hormone (GH) deficiency which was corroborated by glucagon test (peak GH 3.3 mcg/L, peak cortisol 14.6 mcg/dL) in an euthyroid and normoprolactinemic state, and in the absence of polydipsia or polyuria. Brain MRI disclosed not only a PSIS triad (with a virtual absence of the pituitary stalk and the anterior pituitary, and with an ectopic position of the posterior pituitary) but also abnormal sulcation and polymicrogyria (pointing to abnormal lamination in the cortex) on both sides in the posterior cingulum. Familial history is positive for holoprosencephaly and polydactyly in two male relatives, who died neonatally. Whole exome sequencing showed a rare maternally inherited variant in ZRSR2 on the X chromosome (c. 1207_1208delAG (p.Arg403Glyfs*24)) (OMIM 300028). ZRSR2 isdepleted from loss-of-function variants in the reference population, and has not been associated with congenital anomalies or with pituitary dysfunction. This ZRSR2 variant escapes nonsense mediated decay and segregates in this family according to an X-linked recessive pattern. X-inactivation studies and gene expression studies are ongoing to correlate the ZRSR2 variant to the patient's phenotype. Conclusion This case describes a toddler with polydactyly and short stature, based on GH deficiency due to PSIS, in combination with polymicrogyria. Studies are ongoing to link the patient's phenotype to a rare variant in ZRSR2. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:30 p.m. - 1:35 p.m., Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:30 p.m. - 1:35 p.m., Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

ODP393 Pfeiffer syndrome with growth hormone deficiency in a 4-year-old girl

Abstract Backgrounds Craniosynostosis syndrome has a variety of causes, one of which is an autosomal dominant disorder associated with FGFR1 or FGFR2 gene mutation known as Pfeiffer syndrome (PS; OMIM 101600). It is known that PS is clinically diagnosed, not genetic judgment. PS is divided into three subtypes depending on severity of specific phenotypes. Patients with PS type 1 are broad thumbs and great toes, brachydactyly or syndactyly. They have widely spaced eyes, midface hypoplasia and dental abnormalities but short stature is not typical phenotype of PS. We report the patient who were clinically diagnosed PS with short stature because of growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Case Report: A 4 years 7 month-old girl presented with a short stature below the 3rd percentile. She was born at 40 weeks of gestation with a birth weight of 2.9 kg. Her perinatal and neonatal histories were unremarkable. Her parents are non-consanguineous and her mother had micro- pituitary adenoma. She has healthy younger brother who aged 9 months old. In physical examination, height was 91.1 cm (-3.92 SDS), weight was 15.5 kg (-1.15 SDS). Wide thumb and great toes on both sides of her are observed. At the time of admission, bone age was advanced, measured 7 years. There were no specific findings other than a decrease in IGF-1 level (108.24 ng/ml) and increase in prolactin level (27.26 ng/ml) on the basic endocrine examination. The growth hormone (GH) induced stimulation test was performed after admission. She underwent GH induced stimulation test with combinations of 2 stimulants to assess GH secretion: levodopa 150 mg and arginine 0.5 g/kg. The peak GH level was 7.41 ng/ml in levodopa test and 5.58 ng/ml after 30 minutes’ response to arginine. She was diagnosed as a partial GHD defined by peak GH between 5 and 10 ng/ml in both test. There were no findings in karyotyping and chromosomal microarray. As a result of targeted panel sequencing of 233 genes related to hereditary short stature, c.2398dupT, a pathogenic variant that had not been previously reported in the FGFR2 gene, was observed in a heterozygous form as the cause of short stature. Subsequently, recombinant human GH has been administered in units of 0.1 per day according to her weight. The height was increased from 93.6 cm (SDS) in 4 years 10 months old to 98 cm in 5 years 2 months. Any side effects or adverse reactions were not observed during the treatment period. Conclusion It is suggested that a growth hormone test be performed for Pfeiffer syndrome patients with short stature. GH may help growth in patients with positive in the test. Presentation: No date and time listed

PSUN160 Transfusion Related Endocrinopathies and Thalassemia (TREAT) Study

Abstract Thalassemia (Thal), the most common form of inherited anemia worldwide, may require regular blood transfusions and life-long medical care. The introduction of oral chelators and imaging methods to monitor iron overload transformed Thal from a rapidly fatal disease of childhood to a chronic illness compatible with prolonged life expectancy. Regular blood transfusions resulting in tissue iron overload and oxidative stress may lead to liver disease and polyendocrinopathy. In this observational descriptive study, we described the patient characteristics and prevalence of endocrinopathies (growth failure, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, low bone mass, and impaired glucose intolerance) in a contemporary group of transfusion dependent Thal patients cared for our tertiary care center since 2000. A total of 253 transfusion dependent Thal patients were identified. Of those patients, 51.8% were female; 22% (n=56) were adopted, mainly from China. The following ethnicities were represented: Chinese 19.9%, Indian 12.6%, Laotian 7.8%, Asian 7.8%, Italian 7.8%, Vietnamese 3.9%, Afgani 3.4%, Pakistani 3.4%, Thai 2.9%, Greek 2.4%, Cambodian 2.4%, Filipino, Caucasian, Iranian 1.9% each. Majority of the diagnoses were Beta Thal Major (69.9%), followed by E Beta 0 Thal (14.6%). The median age at first visit was 10.6 years (IQR1-IQR3: 2.2-25), last visit was 27 years (IQR1-IQR3: 12.1–39.4) with 33.5% of the patients ≤18 years of age. Median follow-up time was 10 years. Median final adult height (height z-score) for females was 159.5 cm (-0.53) (IQR1-IQR3: 152.4,160.3cm; height z-score: -1.68, -0.47) and for males 167.5cm (-1.3) (IQR1-IQR3: 161.5, 171cm; height z-score: -2.13, -0.81). Only, 16.5% (n=14) of children were on growth hormone treatment due to low-normal growth hormone surrogates or peak growth hormone &amp;lt;10ng/ml in growth hormone stimulation test. Hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 9.9% (n=25) of the patients and 5 patients had central hypothyroidism. Hypogonadism was diagnosed in 32.4% of adult female (n=24), and 44.6% of adult male (n=29) patients who were subsequently prescribed sex steroid replacement. Low bone mass in those with z-scores ≤2.0 was noted in 22.9% (n=43) female and 26% (n=49) males. The mean bone mineral density z-score for spine was -2.1±1.1 for females and -2.5±1.3 for males. Either impaired glucose tolerance or insulin-dependent DM was observed in 29% of the patients (n=54). Endocrinopathies are common and continue to be a significant morbidity in transfusion dependent Thal patients despite improved chelation agent availability and tissue iron monitoring. Future long-term longitudinal and intervention studies elucidating and mitigating potential effects of iron overload on developing children's developing endocrine organs are needed. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

ODP399 Growth Hormone Peak did not predict presence of Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome

Abstract Background Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is a congenital abnormality of the pituitary gland characterized by a triad of the thin or interrupted pituitary stalk, aplasia, or hypoplasia of the anterior pituitary and absent or ectopic posterior pituitary. This can be associated with midline defects and pituitary endocrine deficiencies, ranging from isolated growth hormone deficiency to combined pituitary hormone deficiency. PSIS is a rare entity with an estimated incidence rate of 0.5/1,000,000 births. Clinical case: A 3-year-old neurodevelopmentally appropriate male was initially seen at the PCP office for growth failure. After birth, the patient appeared to have normal growth parameters, as he was in the 61st percentile for length and at the 19th percentile for weight. His growth velocity trended downwards, as he dropped to the 34th percentile at nine weeks old and the 2nd percentile by nine months old. PCP records showed that the patient was at the 10th percentile for height at one year old, but by 18-months, he had fallen below the 1st percentile. His mid-parental height was 175cm, between 25th and 50th percentile. Initial workup showed elevated TSH 9.12 mIU/ml (0.5-4.3 mIU/mL) with negative thyroid antibodies, thus started on 25 mcg of levothyroxine. The screen for systemic disease and inflammatory markers was negative. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) was low at &amp;lt;16 ng/mL (24-148 ng/mL) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) was normal at 1.2mcg/ml (0.7-3.6)A growth hormone (GH) stimulation test was obtained due to suboptimal growth, short stature, and undetectable IGF-1 level. The patient failed his GH stimulation study with a GH peak of 5.1 ng/mL (&amp;gt;10) after clonidine and 2ng/ml (&amp;gt;10) after arginine. A clinical and biochemical diagnosis of GHD was made, an MRI was ordered to evaluate for anatomic cause. Brain MRI showed an ectopic posterior pituitary gland with an absent infundibulum, suggesting PSIS. The patient was started on GH therapy with excellent response. He is currently growing well on a low dose of somatropin, around 0.234mg/kg/week. Conclusion PSIS is a congenital pituitary anatomical defect with a heterogeneous presentation. It is typically encountered in infancy and childhood, possibly progressing to panhypopituitarism by adulthood. Diagnosis can be delayed, as brain MRI imaging is not always obtained based on growth hormone peaks. As seen in our patient, the severity of GHD based on peak levels did not adequately predict the presence of brain anomalies. Historically, severe GHD (&amp;lt;5 ng/mL) is strongly associated with brain MRI abnormalities, but GH levels may not suffice to determine the severity of the disease. Based on our findings, we recommend obtaining brain MRI in all patients diagnosed with GHD to identify critical anatomical abnormalities, like PSIS, that require long-term close monitoring of pituitary function. Presentation: No date and time listed

ODP386 Growth Velocity and Growth Hormone Deficiency During Puberty

Abstract Background A subnormal growth velocity (GV) is a characteristic feature of growth hormone deficiency (GHD). During puberty growth hormone (GH) levels increase markedly in response to sex hormone secretion. The normal range for GV declines during childhood, increases during puberty with peak levels at mid-puberty. Hence, pubertal status rather than age alone must be considered in the evaluation of GV in children and adolescents. In most cases, a diagnosis of GHD is established by a subnormal response in GH levels following a stimulation with two pharmacological agents. Objective We determined the reliability of GV as a predictor of GHD during puberty. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of pubertal children and adolescents who underwent a GH stimulation test in our pediatric endocrinology clinic. Seventy-nine subjects (57 boys and 22 girls) were included in this study. Bone age was determined for all patients. Serum levels of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were obtained prior to GH stimulation test. Serum IGF-1 levels, expressed as a standard deviation score were compared to the IGF-1 levels expected chronological age (CA), height age (HA), and bone age (BA). Serum GH levels were determined following the administration of arginine and levodopa. GHD was established by a peak GH level &amp;lt;10 ng/mL. IBM SPSS Statistics software version 28. 0. 0. 0 (190) was used for data analysis. Results Subjects ranged in age from 7.3-17.9 years. Thirty-nine patients (49.4%) had GV &amp;lt; 10 th percentile for CA; Forty patients (50.6%) had GV &amp;lt;10 th percentile for BA. Sixty percent of patients with GV &amp;lt;10 th percentile for CA had GHD. A similar number (59%) of patients with normal GV for CA also had GHD. Among patients with GV &amp;lt;10 th percentile for BA, 72.5% of subjects had GHD. By contrast, the percentage of patients who had normal GV for bone age and GHD (46.2%) was significantly less than that of subjects with GV &amp;lt;10 th percentile for BA (p = 0. 015). Positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity and specificity for GV &amp;lt;10 th percentile for BA in the diagnosis of GHD were 72.5%, 53.8%, 61.7%, and 65.6%, respectively. With respect to the diagnostic value of serum IGF-1, when the area under the ROC curve was used to measure how well the serum IGF-1 standard deviation score distinguished between GHD and normal, serum IGF-1 standard deviation score for CA, HA, and BA were not predictive of GHD (p = 0.1, 0.47, and 0.27, respectively). Conclusions During puberty, slow growth velocity for bone age (but not slow growth velocity for chronological age) was useful to predict a diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency. Presentation: No date and time listed

Predictive factors for recovery from adult growth hormone deficiency after transsphenoidal surgery for nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma.

Recovery from adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) has not been well discussed because of the lack of examinations including pituitary provocation tests (PPTs) before and after the procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the growth hormone (GH) axis function of patients with nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) via pre- and postoperative PPTs. Moreover, the predictive factors for recovery from AGHD after TSS were validated to facilitate surgery for AGHD in patients with NFPA. In total, 276 patients (median age 60.0 years) who underwent TSS for NFPA were included in this study. PPTs were performed before and 3 months after TSS. Then, the relationships between recovery from AGHD after TSS and clinical, surgical, and hormonal factors, including peak GH level based on PPTs, were evaluated statistically. In this study, 114 patients were diagnosed with preoperative AGHD. Approximately 25.4% recovered from AGHD after TSS. In contrast, among the 162 patients without preoperative AGHD, 13 (8.0%) had newly developed postoperative AGHD. The predictive factors for recovery from AGHD were younger age, female sex, initial TSS, and high peak GH level based on preoperative PPT. According to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, patients who were aged ≤ 62.2 years and had a peak GH level of ≥ 0.74 μg/L based on preoperative PPT were likely to recover from AGHD (sensitivity: 82.8%, specificity: 72.9%, and area under the curve: 0.8229). AGHD caused by NFPA can improve after initial TSS among young patients with certain peak GH levels assessed by preoperative PPT. Whether TSS for NFPA can promote recovery from AGHD is worth considering in some patients.

The Influence of Body Mass Index on the Growth Hormone Peak Response regarding Growth Hormone Stimulation Tests in Children

Introduction: Several studies have analyzed the association between the maximal growth hormone serum level obtained during a growth hormone stimulation test (GH_Max) and the body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS). However, as sample sizes were quite small, our study aimed to analyze the association between GH_Max and BMI-SDS within a large cohort of 991 children. Further, we investigated other influencing factors, like test type, age, sex, puberty, and preterm birth. Methods: Children with short stature (height <10th percentile) received growth hormone stimulation tests with arginine or glucagon at the Department of Paediatric Endocrinology of the University of Leipzig Medical Center. The study population included a total of 1,438 tests (633 tests on girls, 805 tests on boys), with the majority consisting of prepubertal children (tests = 1,138). The mean age at testing was 7.74 years. Analyses were carried out on the entire cohort as well as stratified by test types. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses using linear mixed-effect models to assess the effects on GH_Max. Results: GH_Max and BMI-SDS were significantly negatively associated with an effect size of β = −1.10 (p < 0.001), independent from the test type. The GH_Max values were significantly (p < 0.001) higher for glucagon (mean value: 9.65 ng/mL) than those for arginine tests (mean value: 8.50 ng/mL). Age, sex, premature birth, and puberty were not significantly related to GH_Max values. Conclusion: We confirmed the negative association between GH_Max and weight status of short children found in previous studies. Therefore, considering BMI-SDS may be helpful in the assessment of growth hormone stimulation tests in short-statured children, but it should not be the determining factor for a treatment decision.

Growth hormone deficiency in a boy with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome: a case report and review.

Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome (WSS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a broad phenotypic spectrum, including facial dysmorphism, hypertrichosis, hypotonia, short stature, and developmental delay. Mutations in the lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A) gene are known to cause WSS. A 2 year-old boy with a short stature visited our pediatric endocrinology clinic for a diagnostic examination. In addition to his short stature, he had other symptoms characteristic of WSS including dysmorphic features and developmental delay. Whole-exome sequencing was performed in order to diagnose any underlying genetic condition; the test detected the presence of the mutant variant of KMT2A:c.731T>G(p.Leu244*). Since the patient showed a decreased growth velocity after 18 months of age, a growth hormone provocation test was performed to check for growth hormone (GH) deficiency. The patient's peak GH level was found to be 6.96 ng/mL and recombinant human GH treatment was started. This case of WSS along with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in a pediatric patient is the first report of its kind in Korea, to the best of our knowledge. WSS should be considered as a possibility in pediatric patients with short stature, especially in the presence of additional clinical symptoms, such as dysmorphic features and developmental delay.

Prolactin response to growth hormone stimulation tests

BackgroundDespite many similarities between the structure, receptors, proliferative and growth promoting actions, the relationship between Prolactin (PRL) and Growth Hormone (GH) in clinical conditions has received little attention. ObjectiveTo determine the PRL response to GH stimulation tests. SubjectsPrepubertal and early pubertal boys (n = 581) and girls (n = 502) with idiopathic, non-syndromatic short stature. DesignData was retrieved from the computerized records of the Endocrine Laboratory, Schneider Children's Medical Center. Peak GH and PRL levels during GH stimulation tests with glucagon (Gluc), Clonidine (Clon) and Clonidine with arginine (Clon+Arg), were compared. Both PRL and GH were determined by radioimmunoassay. ResultsWhereas Gluc stimulated both GH and PRL to similar levels, Clon alone or combined with Arg suppressed the PRL secretion (p < 0.0001). It is also evident that in both boys and girls Clon alone and Clon±Arg are superior to Gluc in GH stimulation. The higher GH levels during Clon+Arg than with Clon alone are attributed to the pubertal stage. ConclusionThis study provides further information on the Prolactin-Growth hormone relationship in children.

Association Between the Growth Hormone/Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Axis and Muscle Density in Children and Adolescents of Short Stature.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis and muscle density in children and adolescents of short stature.MethodsParticipants were children and adolescents of short stature hospitalized in the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University between January 2020 and June 2021. All participants had CT scan images available. We performed an analysis of the images to calculate the muscle density or skeletal muscle attenuation (SMA), skeletal muscle index (SMI), and fat mass index (FMI). Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was used to ensure that chest CT is a credible way of evaluating body composition.ResultsA total of 297 subjects were included with the mean age of 10.00 ± 3.42 years, mean height standard deviation score (SDS) of -2.51 ± 0.53, and mean IGF-1 SDS of -0.60 ± 1.07. The areas of muscle and fat tissues at the fourth thoracic vertebra level in the CT images showed strong correlation with the total weights of the participants (R2 = 0.884 and 0.897, respectively). The peak of GH was negatively associated with FMI (r = - 0.323, P <.01) and IGF-1 SDS was positively associated with SMI (r = 0.303, P <.01). Both the peak GH and IGF-1 SDS were positively associated with SMA (r = 0.244, P <.01 and r = 0.165, P <.05, respectively). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis demonstrated that the GH peak was the predictor of FMI (β = - 0.210, P < .01), the IGF-1 SDS was the predictor of SMI (β = 0.224, P < .01), and both the peak GH and IGF-1 SDS were predictors of SMA (β = 0.180, P < .01 and β = 0.222, P < .01).ConclusionsA chest CT scan is a credible method of evaluating body composition in children and adolescents of short stature. In these patients, peak GH and IGF-1 SDS are independent predictors of muscle density and the GF/IGF-1 axis may regulate body composition through complex mechanisms.

Evaluation of the growth response to growth hormone therapy in short children with normal growth hormone secretion

Introduction The availability of biosynthetic growth hormone (GH) ensures that children who are deficient can have replacement therapy, but it has also created the opportunity to treat children who are short but do not have a deficiency. The target height of children with short stature who have normal GH secretion, idiopathic short stature (ISS), without treatment, fails to reach their midparental potential. GH therapy for these children has resulted in variable height outcomes. While some children reached or exceeded genetic target height, others did not have a favorable response. Aim The aim of this study was to report the outcome of the children with ISS who had initial height standard deviation score (HtSDS) (Z score) less than −2, with normal stimulated GH levels (&gt;10 μg/l), after treatment with biosynthetic GH for at least 1 year. Patients and methods This retrospective study included 20 children with ISS, with initial HTSDS less than −2, normal stimulated GH levels (&gt;10 μg/l), who were treated with rhGH (0.04 mg/kg/day) for at least 1 year. None had any other systemic or endocrine disorder. All had normal complete blood count, liver, and renal functions. Results Twenty children (15 males and five females) with ISS, aged between 4.3 and 13.8 years (mean=9.88±2.62 years), who had mean peak GH=15.58±6.95 μg, were studied. All received GH treatment (average GH dose was 0.04 mg/kg/day) for a mean duration=2.49±1.61 years. The mean midparental HtSDS (MPHSDS) was −1.23±0.57. Their bone age did not differ significantly compared with their chronological age (the mean difference=−0.13±0.67 years). The mean HSDS before treatment was −2.34±0.41 and after 1 year of GH treatment was −1.83±0.48. This gave a gain of an average of 0.5 SD. At the last visit (after a mean of 2.5 years), the HtSDS −1.57±0.55 SD with a gain of 0.77±0.14 SD versus before treatment. The difference between children HtSDS compared with their MPHSDS was −1.08 SD before treatment that was changed to −0.3 SD at the last visit. The increment in HSDS was positively correlated with the duration of rhGH therapy (r=0.82, P=0.01) and negatively correlated with age at the start of treatment (r=−0.54, P=0.01). Conclusion Growth hormone therapy that benefits short children with normal growth hormone secretion achieves near-normal HSDS and approaches MPHSDS.

Growth Velocity and Economic Aspects of Human Growth Hormone Treatment in an Egyptian Cohort with Multiple Pituitary Hormone Deficiency: A Retrospective Minireview

Abstract &#x0D; Background: Multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) is a chronic lifelong disease. Human recombinant growth hormone (hGH) treatment is the optimal therapy for short stature in children with growth hormone (GH) deficiency in patients with MPHD and can effectively increase growth velocity (GV) to attain adult heights within the target range. Objective: to assess the GV during hGH treatment of children with MPHD, to analyze the characteristics of patients and to investigate the possible factors that might affect their height gain. Methods: Data from 18 (8 females) children and adolescents with MPHD with GH, thyroid stimulating hormone, gonadotropin and adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiencies were collected. Subjects were divided into groups: 12 pubescent patients and 6 pre-pubescent patients. Anthropometric measurements were reported regularly for one year. Results: age at onset of study was 13.44±4.66 years. CT and MRI findings were positive in 77.8 %. Peak GH levels after Clonidine and Insulin were 4.06±2.61 and 5.39±4.2 ng/ml respectively. GH was received in a dose of 0.95±0.5 mg/day. Height gain during the period of the study was 3.5±0.47cm /year. The predicted adult height at the first and last visits and delta predicted adult height between the first and last visits were 155.78±10.159, 156.71±7.22 and 0.93±4.64 cm respectively. The cost in dollars was identified using Markov cost-effectiveness simulation model as 98.87±52.4 dollars per one cm height gain, with a total of 346.07±183.42 US dollars/patient/year. For a hGH dose of 0.02±0.01 mg/kg/d (0.95±0.5mg/day). There was a positive correlation between height gain during the study period and both the height SDS at presentation and dose of GH mg/kg/d. Conclusion: the height gain and the cost were higher amongst females than males with MPHD. Height at presentation and hGH dose seemed to be an effective predictor for height gain in patients with MPHD.&#x0D;