Body composition, atherogenic risk factors and apolipoproteins following growth hormone treatment.

We studied the change in atherogenic risk factors in 27 children, 21 boys and 6 girls, 6 to 14 years of age, with growth hormone deficiency during 12 months of growth hormone replacement therapy. Changes in body composition and lipid profile during growth hormone treatment were evaluated. The atherogenic index was calculated using the equation [(total cholesterol- high-density lipoprotein cholesterol)(apolipoprotein B)]/[(apolipoprotein AI)(high-density lipoprotein cholesterol)]. Body fat decreased (p < 0.01), associated with an increase in lean body mass (p < 0.01). Total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol showed no significant changes. The atherogenic index significantly decreased from 1.44 +/- 0.60 to 1.09 +/- 0.52 (p < 0.01) after 12 months. Apolipoproteins CII and CIII increased throughout the study period (p < 0.01). Lipoprotein(a) and apolipoproteins AI, B and B/AI ratio did not change significantly. In conclusion, growth hormone treatment improved body composition and reduced atherogenic risk factors in children with growth hormone deficiency.