Growth hormone (GH) treatment does not restore endothelial function in children with GH deficiency.

BACKGROUND: In adults with growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD), GH treatment restores impaired endothelial function, a precursor of cardiovascular disease. Its effect in children with GHD is unknown.

METHODS: Three months of GH (0.3 mg/kg/wk) were given to nine children with GHD. Endothelial function was measured via reactive hyperemic response. Forearm blood flow (FBF, strain gauge plethysmography) was measured before and after 5 min of upper arm arterial occlusion. Blood pressure and lipid, insulin and glucose levels were measured. Pretreatment endothelial function was compared to 18 previously studied control children.

RESULTS: Percent fall in forearm vascular resistance was greater in controls (81.2 +/- 1.9%) than in children with GHD (69.6 +/- 5.3%, p = 0.021) but was not affected by GH (60.6 +/- 7.5%). GH markedly increased HOMAIR (21 +/- 7 versus 43 +/- 8, p = 0.004). Plasma lipid levels did not significantly differ.

CONCLUSION: These results indicate that endothelial function is impaired in children with GHD. GH therapy does not restore the impairment.