Nutritional Status and Body Fluid Distribution in Chronic Alcoholics Compared With Controls

BACKGROUND: At present few data are available on the total body water (TBW) content and in particular on the distribution of water in the intra- and extracellular compartments (ICW and ECW) of alcoholics. The aim of this study was to evaluate TBW, ICW, and ECW in chronic alcoholic patients. METHODS: Thirty-six alcoholics meeting DSM-III-R criteria for diagnosis (20 men, 16 women; body mass index [BMI] 22.3+/-2.57 kg/m2) were enrolled. Fifty-four healthy social drinkers (31 men, 23 women; BMI 23.7+/-1.68 kg/m2) matched for age and height were used as controls. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured for all cases. All patients were assessed using specific anthropometric measurements. The waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was used as an indicator of body fat distribution. TBW was measured by isotopic dilution by giving 100 microCi of tritiated water. ICW and ECW were assessed by multifrequence bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). Basal metabolic rate (BMR) was measured by indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: Body weight was lower in the alcoholics than in the controls (61.9+/-5.5 kg vs. 65.8+/-5.2 kg;p < 0.01), essentially due to a reduction in fat mass. Significantly higher WHR values were found in both male (p < 0.001) and female (p < 0.001) alcoholics than in healthy subjects. A higher ECW/TBW ratio was found in the alcoholics compared with the controls, both as a whole (0.53+/-0.04 vs. 0.41+/-0.03; p < 0.0001) and separated by gender (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The increased ECW could derive from an increase in cellular permeability related to endothelial damage linked to the vasoconstriction present in the alcoholics and/or to a direct toxic effect of ethanol on cellular membranes. In addition, because the high ECW volumes correlated positively with WHR in the alcoholics, a potential association of these two factors in determining an increased risk of liver disease, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease may exist. Finally, the lower TBW characteristic of women may be one of the reasons for the observed greater rate of toxic effects of ethanol that occur in women.     

Chronic cellular dehydration in the aged patient

BACKGROUND: As a reduction of water spaces is expected in the elderly because of fat-free mass loss, disease is often associated with increased hydration. The present study compared water spaces and cellular hydration in adults, healthy and diseased aged patients. METHODS: An open study was conducted in 6 geriatric wards and a nutrition laboratory involving 85 aged diseased persons, 68 healthy elderly adults, and 35 adults. Total body water (TBW, H(2)(18)O dilution), extracellular water (ECW, Bromide dilution), and fat-free mass (FFM, body density and Siri's equation) were measured directly whereas intracellular water (ICW = TBW - ECW) and body cell mass (FFM - ECW) were obtained by calculations. RESULTS: FFM, TBW, and ICW were higher in adults than in the 2 other groups and in the elderly than in aged patients. ECW was higher in aged patients than in healthy elderly participants. The proportion of TBW made of ECW or ICW was the same in adults and in healthy elderly persons. A higher proportion of TBW was composed of ECW, and a lower proportion of TBW was composed of ICW, in diseased patients compared with the 2 other groups. The proportion of ICW in body cell mass was also lower in diseased patients. CONCLUSIONS: Diseased elderly persons display reduced ICW and expanded ECW. A cellular dehydration is suggested.     

Body composition during normal pregnancy: reference ranges

Maternal body composition undergoes a deep adaptative change during the course of pregnancy. Fat mass, fat-free mass, and total body water (TBW) increase in different ways and their effects on pregnancy outcome represent a field of major interest in perinatal medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in maternal body composition [maternal weight, TBW, intracellular water (ICW) and extracellular water (ECW)] during healthy pregnancy by using bioimpedance analysis (BIA). A total of 170 healthy pregnant women, aged 22-44 years, volunteered to participate in our study. The BIA measurements were carried out with a Tefal BIA scale determining resistance and reactance. Lukaski's multiple-regression equation was used to estimate TBW and ICW and ECW were computed using the prediction formula of Segal. The evaluations were performed at 10-38 weeks' gestation, every 3-4 weeks, and hematocrit was determined at every time interval. Analysis of variance and multiple comparisons of Bonferroni were performed to compare variables among the different study intervals. Second-order polynomial interpolation was used to obtain percentile values for each bioimpedance parameter. Percentile bioimpedance values of the healthy population are provided at each study time, by showing the mean value and the 5th, 25th, 75th, 95th percentiles. Moreover, normal reference ranges for TBW are provided for each gestational age, in relation to maternal weight gain. Reactance, TBW, and ICW enhance slightly during the course of gestation. Tetrapolar BIA could be an easy and practical tool for evaluating changes of maternal body components during pregnancy. It could also provide indirect proof of the normal hemodilution occurring in normal pregnancies. Moreover, fat mass deposition, and not only fluid retention, seems to be responsible for the mother's gestational weight gain, since reactance is an indirect parameter in estimating fat mass amount.     

Short-term effects of growth hormone on body composition as a predictor of growth

The objective of this study was to investigate whether short-term changes in metabolism, as a result of GH therapy, could be used to predict its growth effect after 1 yr. Twenty-eight children (8.7 +/- 2.8 yr) were selected, based on anthropometric criteria characterizing GH-deficient patients. In addition, 21 healthy, age- and sex-matched controls (8.9 +/- 3.1 yr) were included. Total body water (TBW) and height were measured before and at 6 wk and 1 yr after the start of treatment. After 1 yr of treatment, patients were divided into good and poor responders, based on a change in height of at least 0.7 SD. Because individuals of different heights were compared, changes in TBW after 6 wk were corrected for height(2), in accordance with the body mass index. Eighty percent of the children who showed a good response to GH therapy had a change in TBW divided by height(2) exceeding the 2 SD reference line of the controls. In contrast, poor responders did not differ from controls. Maximum GH concentrations found during endocrine tests were not significantly different between good and poor responders. Changes in body composition data, after 6 wk, proved valuable in identifying good responders to GH therapy.     

Correlative study of radioreceptor assay and radioimmunoassay of serum growth hormone in children: normal children and HGH-treated pituitary dwarfs

A sensitive and reproducible radioreceptor assay (RRA) for human growth hormone (HGH) is described. It allows the evaluation of HGH concentrations as low as 2 ng/ml. It has a limited cross-reactivity with human prolactin, which does not interfere at physiological levels in children. Comparison of the results with those of radioimmunoassay (RIA) showed no discrepancies in the serum of normal children before and after stimulation tests for GH (mean RRA/RIA ratio 1.03 +/- SEM 0.04, range 0.75 to 1.65) nor in the serum from hypopituitary dwarfs during the 12 h following an im injection of 6 mg of HGH (mean RRA/RIA ratio 1.05 +/- 0.04, range 0.84 to 1.28). It is concluded that receptoractivity of HGH is parallel to its immunoreactivity in normal children and in hypopituitary patients clinical grade HGH.     

Pubertal growth and final height in hypopituitary boys: a minor role of bone age at onset of puberty

Twenty-two hypopituitary boys treated with human GH were studied longitudinally before and during puberty. Eight patients entered spontaneous puberty at a mean bone age of 12.4 +/- 1.0 (+/- SD) yr. Height velocity reached a mean peak of 6.8 cm/yr during the second year of spontaneous puberty. In these patients, the mean total height gain throughout puberty was 22.8 +/- 5.2 cm, and the mean final height was 158.6 +/- 7.2 cm. Fourteen patients received testosterone enanthate (100 mg/month, im) starting at a mean bone age of 13.6 +/- 1.1 yr. Height velocity was maximal (7.5 cm/yr) during the first year of therapy. The mean final height was 162.9 +/- 5.0 cm, with a mean pubertal gain of 15.9 +/- 3.8 cm. Genital development, peak height velocity, and increase in plasma testosterone levels occurred earlier during testosterone therapy than during spontaneous puberty. In both groups of patients, there was a positive correlation between the bone age at onset of puberty and the height at onset of puberty (r = 0.65). There was also a negative correlation between bone age and total pubertal height gain (r = -0.73). This reduction in pubertal height increase was less than expected for bone age at onset of puberty, which can be explained by a decrease in bone age velocity in relation to bone age at onset of puberty (r = -0.81). Therefore, advancement in bone age at the onset of testosterone therapy did not impair final height, whereas it may increase height at onset of puberty, which is the major factor in final height. We conclude that in GH- and gonadotropin-deficient boys 1) a reduced dosage of testosterone enanthate (25 mg twice a month, im) should be used to induce pubertal development, and 2) the major criterion to decide when to give testosterone is height reached at that time regardless of bone age.     

Bioelectrical impedance analysis to assess changes in body water compartments after digestive surgery

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Accurate monitoring of fluid balance in patients after surgery is a difficult task. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a safe and noninvasive method to measure extracellular water (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW) by passing a weak alternating current through the body. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate changes in body water compartments after gastroenterological surgery by BIA in relation to patient age, type of operation, postoperative complications and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). METHODOLOGY: Ninety-four patients undergoing digestive surgery in our department [laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n=9), gastrectomy (n= 23), colectomy (n=26), hepatectomy (n=29), pancreatoduodenectomy (n=4) and esophagectomy (n=3)] were enrolled in the study. Body fluids were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis before and after surgery (one hour after operation and on postoperative days 1, 3, 7 and 14). RESULTS: Total body water (TBW) and ICW in all groups were significantly lower than preoperative values on day 14. Day 14 ECW in patients less than 70 years or age without postoperative SIRS or complications was significantly lower than the preoperative value. In contrast, ECW was not significantly different from the preoperative value in patients older than age 70 with postoperative SIRS. Additionally, ECW on day 14 was significantly higher than the preoperative value in patients with postoperative complications. When types of surgery were taken into consideration, day 14 TBW was significantly lower than preoperative value only in patients with gastrectomy and hepatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Development of postoperative SIRS and complications resulted in an increase of ECW above its preoperative value. BIA is useful for detecting small changes in body composition following gastroenterological surgery, and provides a means for monitoring perioperative water balance.     

BODY COMPOSITION IN ACROMEGALY

Total body water (TBW) and potassium (TBK) were measured in untreated acromegalic patients seen between 1956 and 1984 and the results were compared to values predicted from height (BH), weight (BW), age and sex, using data from a large number of healthy subjects (n = 476). Normal body weight for each patient (BWnorm) was predicted from BH and sex, the regression equations being derived from a representative population sample (n = 4017). The BH for each patient was compared with data on BH in 15,000 Swedes. The patients were significantly taller than the control population (P less than 0.001). In 107 (70%) of the 156 patients BH was above the median. Patients with an early onset of the disease were taller than those with a later onset. TBK and TBW were significantly higher than predicted from observed BW (P less than 0.001) and so was the quotient extracellular water (ECW)/intracellular water (ICW). Body fat (BF), on the other hand, was lower than predicted (P less than 0.001). Observed BW in male acromegalics was 8.1 kg higher than predicted from healthy subjects of the same BH (BWnorm), a difference explained by an average increase of 4.7 kg in body cell mass (BCM) (P less than 0.001) and 7.1 kg in extracellular water (P less than 0.001) simultaneously with a mean decrease of 3.7 kg in BF (P less than 0.01). Female acromegalics weighed on average 6.4 kg more than healthy women, a difference explained by an increase in BCM of 3.3 kg (P less than 0.001) and in ECW of 4.6 kg (P less than 0.001) concomitantly with a decrease in BF of 1.5 kg. Mean hGH concentration at diagnosis correlated inversely with the quotients observed/predicted BF (P less than 0.01) and BW/BWnorm (P less than 0.05) but not with the quotients observed/predicted TBK, TBW or ECW/ICW.     

Interdependence of lean body mass and total body water, but not quality of life measures, during low dose GH replacement in GH-deficient adults

Lean body mass (LBM) and total body water (TBW) are reduced in GH-deficient (GHD) adults and alter with GH replacement. Whether these parameters are interdependent and whether alterations in their homeostasis contribute to the perceived quality of life (QOL) deficit in GHD remains unclear. In this study, IGF-I, body composition by whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, TBW by deuterium dilution (D(2)O) and two validated QOL instruments - psychological general well-being schedule (PGWB, generic, 6 domains; lower score worse QOL) and assessment of GH deficiency in adults (AGHDA, disease orientated; higher score worse QOL) were studied at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of GH replacement in thirty GHD adults. Patients with diabetes insipidus, and cardiac and renal failure were excluded. Median age-adjusted IGF-I standard deviation score increased from -3.40 (-6.40 to -1.60) to -0.2 (-1.88 to 0.78) (P < 0.0001) at a median daily GH dose of 0.4 mg. During treatment, LBM increased from 47.4 +/- 10.7 kg at baseline to 49.5 +/- 10.8 kg at 6 months (P = 0.0008), and fat mass decreased from 28.0 +/- 12.1 kg at baseline to 27.2 +/- 12.6 kg at 6 months (P = 0.0004). A non-significant trend towards an increase in TBW was observed (mean 1.7 kg, P = 0.08). The PGWB score increased from 62.9 +/- 20.6 to 73.7 +/- 21.7 (P = 0.0006). The AGHDA score decreased from 13.7 +/- 7.3 to 8.75 +/- 7.75 (P = 0.0002). At each time point, a linear correlation between LBM and TBW was demonstrated, defined by TBW = (0.972 x LBM)-10.6. However, only a weakly positive correlation existed between the percentage changes in these variables (R = 0.40, P = 0.04). No correlations were demonstrated between QOL measures and body composition. The change in LBM with physiological GH replacement correlates weakly with change in TBW, therefore factors other than TBW may also contribute to the LBM changes. Improved QOL with GH replacement is not explained by favourable changes in body composition.     

Validation of bio-impedance spectroscopy: effects of degree of obesity and ways of calculating volumes from measured resistance values

BACKGROUND: Bioelectrical-impedance spectroscopy (BIS) is a very attractive method for body composition measurements in a clinical setting. However, validation studies often yield different results. This can partly be explained by the different approaches used to transform measured resistance values into body compartments. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the linear regression (LR) method with the Hanai Mixture theory (HM). Secondly, the effect of degree of overweight on the accuracy of BIS was analysed. DESIGN: In 90 people (10 M, 80 F; body mass index (BMI) 23-62 kg/m2) total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) were measured by deuterium and NaBr dilution methods, respectively, and by BIS. Resistance values of ECW (R(ECW)) and TBW (R(TBW)) were used for volume calculations. Data of half the group were used for LR based on L2/R (L = length, R = resistance) to predict TBW and ECW and to calculate the constants used in the HM (kECW), k(p)). Prediction equations and constants were cross-validated in Group 2. RESULTS: Bland and Altman analysis showed that the LR method underestimated TBW by 1.1 l (P < 0.005) and ECW by 1.1 l (P < 0.005). The HM approach underestimated ECW by 0.8 l (P < 0.005). The correlations with the dilution methods and the SEEs for TBW and ECW were comparable for the two approaches. The prediction error of BIS for TBW and ECW correlated with BMI. The constant kECW, and the specific resistivities of the ECW and intracellular water (ICW) pECW and pICW were also correlated with BMI. CONCLUSIONS: The mixture approach is slightly more accurate than linear regression, but not sensitive enough for clinical use. The constants used in the HM model are not constants in a population with a wide variation in degree of overweight. The physical causes of the correlation between BMI and constants used in the model should be studied further in order to optimize the mixture model.     

Changes in body composition of patients with subnormal spontaneous secretion of growth hormone, during the first year of treatment with growth hormone.

The effects of 1 year of growth hormone (GH) therapy were studied in 10 subjects with subnormal spontaneous secretion of GH, whose ages ranged from 6.5 to 12.4 years. Height, weight, body fat percentage, total body potassium (TBK), and extracellular water (ECW) were measured prior to initiating the treatment, and thereafter at 6 months (period 1) and 12 months (period 2). Height velocity almost doubled during the year of treatment: 7.8 +/- 0.8 and 7.1 +/- 0.7 cm/yr (P less than .0001) during periods 1 and 2, respectively, as compared with 3.9 +/- 0.6 cm/yr pretreatment. Body fat percentage decreased during period 1 to 18.2% +/- 4.9%, versus 16.3% +/- 4.5% (P less than .02), but stabilized thereafter (16.3% +/- 4.9%). Mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) and TBK increased in accordance with the predicted values for age. Body mineral density (BMD) increased both in absolute and standardized terms. No changes were found in ECW during treatment. We concluded that GH treatment in children with subnormal spontaneous secretion of GH has mainly a lipolytic effect on body composition, and that resistance to the lipolytic effect develops during the course of therapy.     

Usefulness of a body composition analyzer, InBody 2.0, in chronic hemodialysis patients

The objective of the present study was to investigate whether InBody 2.0 might be useful in measuring the dry weight of chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients. Thirty-five HD patients (22 males and 13 females; mean age 62.6 +/- 14.0 years; mean HD duration 101.0 +/- 118.06 months) were examined. Multifrequency bioelectric impedance analysis was used to estimate the ratio of extracellular water (ECW) to total body water (TBW). The body resistance was measured at frequencies ranging from 1 kHz to 1 MHz. The impedance index was determined at a low frequency (5 kHz) and correlated closely with ECW, using sodium bromide dilution as standard comparison. The levels of serum albumin, prealbumin, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), transferrin, and human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) were measured by routine methods in our hospital. The ECW/TBW ratio was significantly associated with the levels of hANP (p < 0.05). However, no associations between the levels of serum albumin, TC, TG, or transferrin and the ECW/TBW were observed. It appears that the body composition analyzer, InBody 2.0, may be useful for estimating the dry weight in chronic HD patients.     

Gender difference in the response of growth hormone (GH)-deficient adults to GH therapy

While individual hypopituitary patients undoubtedly benefit from growth hormone (GH) therapy, there is considerable variability in the response to treatment. Given the expense, possible lack of benefit, and potential risks associated with long-term therapy, we sought to identify characteristics potentially associated with a favorable response to GH replacement. Twelve GH-deficient adults (seven men and five women aged 35.4+/-2.5 years, mean +/- SEM) participated in a 12-month open study of GH replacement (0.125 IU/kg/wk for 4 weeks and 0.25 IU/kg/wk thereafter) designed to examine the impact of GH on body composition, lipid profile, and psychological well-being. Using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), there was a reduction in body fat (BF) and an increase in lean body mass (LBM) and total body water (TBW) (P < .05) following 12 months of GH treatment. In addition, there was a significant improvement in psychological well-being as indicated by a decrease in the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) score (P < .05) and a decrease in both total cholesterol (P = .005) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (P < .03). GH therapy was associated with an increase in fasting plasma glucose (P = .008) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c (P = .06). When analyzed by gender, the beneficial effect of GH was greater in men versus women for the increment in insulin-like growth factor-1 ([IGF-1] 375+/-59 v 148+/-73 microg/L, mean +/- SEM), increase in LBM (6.8+/-2.5 v -0.06+/-1.6 kg), reduction in BF (5.6+/-1.6 v 1.0+/-1.9 kg), and increase in TBW (5.0+/-1.6 v 0.14+/-1.29 L) (P < .05). HbA1c increased significantly in women (P < .05). The beneficial effect of GH tended to be greatest in those with the most significant abnormality in baseline values (P < .05). The duration of hypopituitarism showed an indirect correlation with the change in total cholesterol (P < .005). Baseline IGF-1 levels correlated directly with changes in TBW (P < .05). These data indicate that men with GH deficiency appear more responsive to GH therapy than women with respect to the increase in IGF-1 levels and improvement in body composition. In general, patients with the most significant abnormality in baseline values, the highest IGF-1 levels, and the shortest duration of hypopituitarism respond best. With long-term GH therapy, careful monitoring of glucose tolerance is indicated.     

Hypoalbuminemia is also a marker of fluid excess determined by bioelectrical impedance parameters in dialysis patients

Hypoalbuminemia may be secondary to volume expansion conditions and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is an accurate, non-invasive method to measure body composition, especially the water compartments in humans. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the relationship between serum albumin concentration (SA) and hydration state measured by whole BIA. The study investigated 108 non-selected patients (73 on hemodialysis, 35 on peritoneal dialysis) with a mean age of 61.4 +/- 15.6 years, 42.7% of whom were female. The patients were allotted to groups according to their SA: Group 1, < or = 3.5 g/dL; Group 2, 3.6-4.0 g/dL; and Group 3, >4.0 g/dL. The BIA parameters used included: total body water, intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), phase angle (PA), body cell mass (BCM), ICW/ECW ratio and ICW/ECW ratio patients/controls (fluid index). Seventy-five healthy volunteers formed the control group. A strong positive correlation was found between the PA and fluid index (r (2) = 0.993, P < 0.001), as well as between the PA and SA (r = 0.386, P < 0.001), and the ICW/ECW ratio and SA (r = 0.227, P < 0.001). The ECW was negatively correlated with SA (r = -0.330, P < 0.001). Every 0.1 g/dL decrease in SA was associated with a 0.33 L increase in ECW. Group 1 patients had lower reactance (P = 0.006), PA (P < 0.001), BCM (P = 0.012), fluid index (P < 0.001) and ICW/ECW ratio (P = 0.015), and an increased ECW (NS) than groups 2 and 3. We conclude that hypoalbuminemia is also a marker of fluid excess. The SA is associated to the fluid index and the PA allows assessment of the dry weight and its variations in an individualized manner in dialysis patients.     

The role of bioelectrical impedance analysis,NT-ProBNP and inferior vena cava sonography in the assessment of body fluid volume in children with nephrotic syndrome

Background

Assessment of volume status and differentiating “underfill” and “overfill” edema is essential in the management of patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS).

Bioelectrical impedance analysis estimation of water compartments in elderly diseased patients: the source study

BACKGROUND: This study validates, in geriatric patients, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) equations that had been derived to estimate total body water (TBW) and extracellular water (ECW) in healthy elderly subjects. METHODS: We performed a multicentric trial in six geriatric wards. We studied 169 patients with varying degrees of hydration: dehydrated, euvolemic, and overhydrated. BIA estimates of TBW and of ECW were compared with the measurement of TBW with (18)O dilution and of ECW with bromide (Br) dilution. RESULTS: BIA estimated TBW with a difference of 0.48 +/- 2.3 l (mean +/- SD) (50 kHz; p = .01) and 0.69 +/- 2.2 l (100 kHz; p < 0.001) compared with (18)O dilution. The difference was not affected by the hydration status. Estimates of ECW with BIA were systematically biased compared with Br dilution: 4.6 +/- 3.1 l (equation from Segal and colleagues; p < .001) and 3.4 +/- 2.9 l (equation from Visser and colleagues; p < .001). We propose a new, cross-validated equation. Conclusions. Body water spaces can be estimated accurately in geriatric patients with BIA.     

Evaluation of propranolol-glucagon test

A propranolol-glucagon test was evaluated in 24 control normal children, 21 pituitary dwarfs, 15 patients with constitutional short stature, 2 with chromosome aberration and 4 with miscellaneous diseases. The dose of glucagon enough for the stimulation of human growth hormone (HGH) secretion is more than 20 microgram/kg of body weight. During the test in the control subjects the serum HGH level increased from 2.3 +/- 1.2 ng/ml to a maximum level of 30.0 +/- 15.1 ng/ml, when 10 mg propranolol, regardless of body weight and 30 microgram glucagon per kg of body weight are given. The dose of propranolol administered ranged from 0.2 to 1.0 mg/kg of body weight in normal children studied. Serum 11-OHCS also increased significantly from 14.5 +/- 11.2 microgram/100 ml to 30.1 +/- 15.5 microgram/100 ml (P less than 0.01). There was no difference in the maximum level of urinary total catecholamines in propranolol-glucagon test between 7 pituitary dwarfs and 7 control subjects. The mechanism of HGH response to propranolol-glucagon administration is unknown, but propranolol-glucagon administration is a sensitive and reliable provocative test for HGH secretion, since false negative response of HGH are not observed in patients with non-pituitary disease.     

Growth hormone therapy alone or in combination with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog therapy to improve the height deficit in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Short stature in the adult patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is commonly seen, even among patients in excellent adrenal control during childhood and puberty. In this study we examine the effect of GH therapy on height prediction in children with both CAH and compromised height prediction. Leuprolide acetate, a GnRH analog (GnRHa), was given to patients with evidence of early puberty. GH (n = 12) or the combination of GH and GnRHa (n = 8) was administered to 20 patients with CAH while they continued therapy with glucocorticoids. Each patient in the treatment group was matched according to age, sex, bone age, puberty, and type of CAH with another CAH patient treated only with glucocorticoid replacement. The match was made at the start of GH treatment. Of the 20 patients, 12 have completed 2 yr of therapy. After 1 yr of GH or combination GH and GnRHa therapy, the mean growth rate increased from 5 +/- 1.9 to 7.8 +/- 1.6 cm/yr vs. 5.4 +/- 1.7 to 5 +/- 2 cm/yr in the group not receiving GH (P < 0.0001). During the second year of treatment, the mean growth rate was 6 +/- 1.6 vs. 4.2 +/- 2.1 cm/yr in the group not receiving GH (P < 0.001). The height SD score for chronological age in the treatment group at the end of 1 and 2 yr of treatment improved significantly more than the nontreatment group (P < 0.01). A similar improvement in the height SD score for bone age was found in the treatment group after 1 (-1.4 +/- 0.9 vs. -1.7 +/- 0.9; P < 0.0001) and 2 yr of therapy (-0.67 +/- 0.68 vs. -1.7 +/- 1.2; P < 0.0004). The mean predicted adult height improved from 159 +/- 11 (baseline) to 170 +/- 7.5 cm (after 2 yr of therapy) closely approximating target height (173 +/- 8 cm). All patients continued the hydrocortisone treatment. In patients with CAH and compromised height prediction, treatment with GH or the combination of GH and GnRHa results in an improvement of growth rate and height prediction and a reduction in height deficit for bone age.     

Effect of whey protein supplementation combined with resistance training on cellular health in pre-conditioned older women: A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

AimThe purpose of study was to analyze the effects of a combined whey protein (WP) and RT intervention on cellular health in pre-conditioned older women.MethodsThe protocol is a randomized controlled clinical trial with a sample of seventy older women, divided into 3 groups: WP-placebo (WP-PLA, n = 24), placebo-WP (PLA-WP, n = 23), and placebo-placebo (PLA-PLA, n = 23). Each group drank 35 g of product (placebo or WP) pre- and post- training. The RT program was carried out over 12 weeks (3x/week; 3 × 8–12 repetitions maximum). Total body water (TBW), intra (ICW) and extracellular (ECW) water, resistance (R), reactance (Xc), and phase angle (PhA) assessed by bioimpedance spectroscopy. Lean soft tissue (LST) was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry; and food consumption was assessed by means of the average of two 24-hour recalls. ANCOVA for repeated measures was applied for comparisons, with baseline scores used as covariates.ResultsA group by time interaction (P < 0.05) was observed for LST, ICW and the ECW/ICW ratio. There was a time effect (P < 0.05) for TBW, Xc, and PhA. A reduction (P <0.05) in R was found only in the WP-PLA and PLA-WP groups.ConclusionWhey protein supplementation (pre- or post-) combined with RT promoted an increase in ICW and LST, and also a reduction in ECW/ICW ratio in pre-conditioned older women. Regardless of the supplementation intake, the RT regimen improved PhA in older adult women. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03247192.     

Effects of 7 years of growth hormone replacement therapy in hypopituitary adults

Short-term studies of GH replacement in adult hypopituitarism have usually demonstrated beneficial effects on body composition and circulating lipids, with neutral or occasionally adverse effects on glucose tolerance. Fasting hyperinsulinemia has been reported. GH effects on cardiac function have been variable. The effects of long-term GH therapy, taking into account the consequences of increasing age, are not fully known. Thirty-three hypopituitary, initially middle-aged adults were studied over a 7-yr period; 12 patients took GH therapy (mean, 0.7 mg daily) continuously (group A); 11 took GH for only 6-18 months, a minimum of 5 yr previously (group B); and 10 patients never received GH therapy (group C). Other pituitary replacement was maintained. Effects on anthropometry, body composition (by bioimpedance analysis, total body potassium, and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry), circulating lipids, glucose and insulin concentrations, cardiac 2-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography, and exercise tolerance were assessed before and after the treatment period. Continuous GH therapy had no significant effect on body weight, but it prevented the increase in waist circumference and waist to hip ratio that occurred in the patients without GH substitution (waist to hip ratio, group A, 0.87+/-0.08 at baseline, 0.85+/-0.09 at 7 yr; group B, 0.89+/-0.11 at baseline, 0.94+/-0.11 at 7 yr; P < 0.005 for GH effect; group C, 0.87+/-0.10 at baseline, 0.92+/-0.10 at 7 yr; P < 0.005 for GH effect). A GH-induced decrease in subscapular skinfold thickness was also observed. By bioimpedance analysis, GH therapy caused an increase in total body water and fat-free mass, and a decrease in the percent body fat. Although changes occurred with time in all groups, no significant additional GH therapy effects were observed on glucose tolerance, insulin concentrations, lipid levels, cardiac dimensions, echocardiographic diastolic function, or exercise tolerance. In conclusion, prolonged GH substitution in middle-aged hypopituitary adults causes a sustained improvement in body composition. Other benefits, e.g. on lipid levels and exercise tolerance, were not apparent at 7 yr when comparisons were made with GH-untreated hypopituitary controls. Potentially adverse effects on glucose tolerance and insulinemia did not develop with prolonged GH therapy.