Impact of growth hormone therapy on bone and body composition in prepubertal children with idiopathic short stature.

OBJECTIVES

Few studies have investigated the effect of growth hormone (GH) therapy on bone health and body composition in children with idiopathic short stature (ISS). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of GH treatment on bone mineral density (BMD) and prepubertal body composition in children with ISS.

METHODS

The study included 53 prepubertal children with ISS (mean age, 6.3 ± 1.5 years). Their BMD was compared to that of 20 healthy prepubertal children matched for chronological age. Of the 53 children with ISS, 11 received GH therapy for 1 year. Anthropometric measurements and bone age assessments were conducted, and body composition was analyzed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 6-month intervals.

RESULTS

At baseline, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD Z scores, adjusted for height, showed no significant differences between the ISS and control groups. However, bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) Z scores were significantly lower in children with ISS compared to controls. Over 12 months of GH therapy, no significant changes were observed in lumbar spine or femoral neck height-adjusted BMD Z scores. Nevertheless, GH treatment led to a significant reduction in percent body fat for chronological age and an increase in lean body mass after 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

Prepubertal children with ISS exhibited lower BMAD at the lumbar spine compared to healthy controls. Although short-term GH therapy did not significantly alter bone density, it positively impacted body composition. These findings provide valuable clinical insights into bone health and body composition in children with ISS.