Metabolic and endocrine basis of the growth retardation in sickle cell disease.

Preliminary findings related to possible mechanisms causing somato-sexual growth retardation in sickle-cell disease are reported. The studies indicate that important factors are: a) negative nitrogen balance which is attributable to either poor intestinal supply of nitrogen and/or impaired utilization of nitrogen; b) inadequate circulating testosterone and human growth hormone especially during adolescence; c) increased basal metabolic rate, in the presence of normal thyroid function. Further investigation is required to elucidate the relative importance of these factors.