Changes in body composition of children with chronic renal failure during growth hormone treatment

Growth hormone (GH) has different known metabolic effects, among which are lipolysis and anabolic action. We have studied the changes in body composition of children with chronic renal failure (CRF) after 1 year of daily treatment with GH. Body fat percentage and fat body mass (FBM) were derived from four site skinfold measurements; lean body mass (LBM) from total body potassium (TBK) and mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC); bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual photon absorptiometry. GH treatment had a positive effect on weight, heigt and MAMC, but no effect on LBM (as reflected by TBK), FBM and BMD. Z-scores were derived in order to compare subjects with a normal population. While no significant change in z-score was noticed for weight, height, MAMC, FBM and BMD, TBK decreased during treatment. We conclude that GH therapy does not ultimately increase LBM in CRF patients compared with other GH-treated groups.