rhGH therapy boosts muscle growth but raises adiposity risk in children with GHD

Although recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy increases insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) levels and promotes muscle growth in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS), it may also lead to increased adiposity, especially in children with GHD, according to a study.

The study focused on 135 pediatric patients aged 5-18 diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (n = 64) and with idiopathic short stature (n = 71).

Researchers utilized bioimpedance analysis (BIA) to assess body composition, including fat percentage (FATP), appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM), and muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR).

Children with GHD were found to have higher body mass index z-scores, greater FATP, lower MFR, and increased diastolic blood pressure compared to those with ISS. The study also identified female sex and a GHD diagnosis as significant contributors to increased adiposity, while female sex, ISS diagnosis, and older age were linked to higher muscle mass.

The research suggests that while rhGH therapy increases IGF1 levels, it may also contribute to higher adiposity in children with GHD. However, elevated IGF1 levels were associated with greater muscle mass, indicating that rhGH treatment could help promote muscle growth in this population.

Reference
Zaitoon H, Yackobovitch-Gavan M, Midlej E, et al. The role of IGF1 in determining body composition in children and adolescents with growth hormone deficiency and those with idiopathic short stature. Endocrine. 2024;doi: 10.1007/s12020-024-03992-0. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39143422.