Acta Médica Portuguesa (Dec 2000)

Deficiência de GH nas crianças. Reavaliação após conclusão terapêutica.

  • T Martins,
  • M Bastos,
  • P Leitão,
  • L Barros,
  • L Ruas,
  • C Batista,
  • S Paiva,
  • M Carvalheiro,
  • M M Ruas

DOI
https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.1802
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 5-6

Abstract

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To assess GH secretion in young adults treated with GH replacement therapy in childhood.From the 38 patients who concluded treatment with GH, we studied 20 (52.6%), 9 girls and 11 boys. Thirteen had Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD)-65%, while 7 had Multiple Pituitary Hormone Deficiency (MPHD)-35%. The patients were retested within 6 months to 6 years after completing GH therapy. The mean age (+/- SD) at retesting was 18.1 +/- 2.6 years for those with GHD and 20.8 +/- 2.8 for those with MPHD. At reassessment we performed two provocative tests: insulin tolerance test (ITT) and clonidine test.Seven of the 20 patients retested, retained GH deficiency. Of the 13 patients with GHD, only one maintained the deficiency, while of the 7 patients with MPHD, 6 maintained the deficiency.Young adults with GH deficiency treated with this hormone should be retested in order to identify those who are truly GH insufficient adults and may benefit from replacement therapy.