Thyroid Profile abnormalities of RHGH treated children

Abstract

Objective Normal thyroid function is important for optimal growth. Contradictory studies are available on the impact of rhGH treatment on thyroid function. Study aim is to evaluate the effect of rhGH treatment on thyroid function. Methods Study involved 102 euthyroid, prepubertal patients with growth hormone deficiency treated with rhGH. For all children, basal thyroid function, height, height velocity after 1 year of treatment, thyroid function every 3 months during the first year of treatment, all were performed. Results At 3 months of treatment 12 patients had elevated TSH, with or without low free T4. The remaining patients had normal free T4 (but lower than the basal one in most of the patients), with no TSH difference. The latter results were normalized at 1 year. Growth velocity was significantly lower in patients with hypothyroidism. Conclusion Thyroid profile may be affected in patients with short stature on growth hormone treatment which may negatively impact treatment response.