Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: GH deficiency cause a short stature in the child. In the adult hood, other complications appear: An increase of cardiovascular mortality due to an atherogenic profil of lipids and glycaemia abnormalies is reported

Aim: Search metabolic disorders in children and adolescents presenting GH deficiency

Materials and Methods: Patients (56 boys, 36 girls) follow up in our consultation for deficit in GH (Diagnosed on clinical and biological elements: absence of response of the GH to test of stimulation: glucagon-propanolol and insulinic hypoglycaemia. We treated in an irregular way by the recombining GH (cost, availability).

The average age at the diagnosis is 10,8 years in the boys (1-19) 6.5 years in the girls (1-17,5). Mean duration of treatment 4,8 years.

The GH deficiency is isolated in 63 patients; associated to thyreotrop deficiency in 16 cases and corticotrop deficiency in 13 cases.

All the patients are a metabolic assessment: Fasting glycaemia and postprandial at the teenagers (superior at 15 years: n=10). A lipid assessment: total cholesterol and triglycerides.

Results: An asymptomatic fasting hypoglycaemia: 10/92 (10,86%).

A moderate fasting hyperglycaemia: 5/92 (5,5%).

A diabetes mellitus: 1/92 (1,2%).

A mixed hyperlipidemia: 3/92 (3,2%).

A hypercholesterolemia: 1/92.

A hypertriglyceridemia: 1/92.

Conclusion: Our results confirm those of the literature. The metabolic disorders in the GH deficiency in children is generally appeared 10 years after the installation of the affection among patients badly substituted. They can be worsened by other pituitary deficits. A retreat and a more important recruitment are necessary to consoled our results.

A regular treatment by the growth hormone and a rigorous follow up are necessary for improved the vital fore cast.