Malnutrition in children associated with low growth hormone (Gh) Levels

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare serum levels of Growth Hormone in children with malnutrition and good nutritional status. Method: This cross-sectional study included 41 participants consisting of 31 malnourished, 10 well-nourished children aged between 36 and 60 months. Demographic data of participants were obtained utilizing a questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined by calculating the Z-score of body weight for age, height for age, and body weight for height indices using the WHO classification. GH levels were determined by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Result: Median serum GH levels in malnourished children were found to be lower i.e. 1.25 ng/mL (minimum–maximum: 0.10–6.19 ng/mL) compared to well-nourished children 11.01 ng/mL (1.72–15.64 ng/mL). Conclusion: Serum GH levels can be used as indicators to assess nutritional status.

Keywords

• Growth hormone
• Toddlers aged 36-60 months
• Malnutrition