Influence of Body Mass Index on Growth Hormone Responses to Classic Provocative Tests in Children with Short Stature

Abstract

Objective: Growth hormone (GH) secretion is regulated by physiological parameters. Obesity is associated with diminished spontaneous and stimulated GH secretion. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of BMI on growth hormone response to provocative testing in children with short stature.

Materials and methods: Clinical data was collected retrospectively by chart review from the Pediatric Endocrine Unit at Ajou University Hospital. A total of 187 subjects with short stature who completed a GH stimulation testing between 2003 and 2009 were included in the study.

Results: The study population included 123 (65.8%) males and 64 (34.2%) females with a mean age of 8.5 ± 2.9 years. Of the 187 subjects, 66 (35.3%) had GH deficiency (serum peak GH <10 ng/ml), while 121 (64.7%) were categorized as having idiopathic short stature (serum peak GH ≥ 10 ng/ml). In a stepwise multivariate analysis, BMI was a significantly independent predictor of peak GH. Elevated BMI was negatively associated with peak plasma GH levels.

Conclusion: Higher BMI is associated with lower GH secretion. BMI should be measured and GH results appropriately interpreted for all subject undergoing GH stimulation testing.