OBJECTIVE: Decreased growth velocity and abnormal body composition including severe osteoporosis are common in glucocorticoid-treated patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We evaluated the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (GH) given for 3 years on growth velocity, height standard deviation score (SDS), and body composition, together with potential adverse effects on glucose tolerance. METHODS: Thirteen patients received GH (0.46 mg/kg/week) for 3 years. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and glucose tolerance by annual oral glucose tolerance tests. RESULTS: Median growth velocity increased from 2.1 to 6.0 cm/year (p = 0.002) in the first year and remained higher than baseline in the second year of treatment. Height SDS did not change significantly (-4.6 SDS at baseline vs -4.3 SDS at study completion), but the growth response varied markedly across patients. Compared with baseline, lean mass increased by 33%, fat mass remained stable, and lumbar bone mineral density increased by 36.6%. Transient glucose intolerance developed in 6 patients, but glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations did not change significantly and diabetes mellitus did not occur. CONCLUSION: Treatment with GH restored linear growth without inducing catch-up growth, significantly improved body composition, and prevented further bone loss. Prolonged followup is needed to assess the benefits of GH and longterm consequences of hyperinsulinism.
OBJECTIVE: Decreased growth velocity and abnormal body composition including severe osteoporosis are common in glucocorticoid-treated patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We evaluated the effects of recombinant humangrowth hormone (GH) given for 3 years on growth velocity, height standard deviation score (SDS), and body composition, together with potential adverse effects on glucose tolerance. METHODS: Thirteen patients received GH (0.46 mg/kg/week) for 3 years. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and glucose tolerance by annual oral glucose tolerance tests. RESULTS: Median growth velocity increased from 2.1 to 6.0 cm/year (p = 0.002) in the first year and remained higher than baseline in the second year of treatment. Height SDS did not change significantly (-4.6 SDS at baseline vs -4.3 SDS at study completion), but the growth response varied markedly across patients. Compared with baseline, lean mass increased by 33%, fat mass remained stable, and lumbar bone mineral density increased by 36.6%. Transient glucose intolerance developed in 6 patients, but glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations did not change significantly and diabetes mellitus did not occur. CONCLUSION: Treatment with GH restored linear growth without inducing catch-up growth, significantly improved body composition, and prevented further bone loss. Prolonged followup is needed to assess the benefits of GH and longterm consequences of hyperinsulinism.
Authors: J N Hoes; J W G Jacobs; M Boers; D Boumpas; F Buttgereit; N Caeyers; E H Choy; M Cutolo; J A P Da Silva; G Esselens; L Guillevin; I Hafstrom; J R Kirwan; J Rovensky; A Russell; K G Saag; B Svensson; R Westhovens; H Zeidler; J W J Bijlsma Journal: Ann Rheum Dis Date: 2007-07-27 Impact factor: 19.103
Authors: F K Grote; L W A Van Suijlekom-Smit; D Mul; W C J Hop; R Ten Cate; W Oostdijk; W Van Luijk; C J A Jansen-van Wijngaarden; S M P F De Muinck Keizer-Schrama Journal: Arch Dis Child Date: 2005-10-13 Impact factor: 3.791