The Influence of GH Treatment on Glucose Homeostasis in Girls With Turner Syndrome: A 7-Year Study.

CONTEXT: Growth hormone (GH) influences glucose homeostasis mainly by negatively affecting insulin sensitivity.

OBJECTIVE

To longitudinally study insulin sensitivity [via homeostasis model assessment of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-S)], insulin secretion [insulinogenic index (IGI)], and capacity of β cells to adapt to changes in insulin sensitivity [oral disposition index (ODI)] in girls with Turner syndrome (TS) undergoing GH treatment.

DESIGN AND

SETTING

Longitudinal, retrospective, 7-year study conducted in a tertiary pediatric endocrine unit and university pediatric clinic.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We studied 104 patients with TS (mean age ± standard deviation, 9.1 ± 3.4 years) for a median of 7.2 years.

INTERVENTION: Every year, the children underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, which was used to calculate HOMA-S, IGI, and ODI.

RESULTS

HOMA-S, IGI, and ODI did not significantly change.

CONCLUSION

The results are reassuring, showing no negative influence of GH treatment on insulin sensitivity and on β-cell secretory capacity in girls with TS.