Growth Hormone Treatment and Fat Redistribution in Children Born Small for Gestational Age

ObjectiveTo determine whether in children born small for gestational age (SGA) high-dose growth hormone (GH) treatment is not only associated with catch-up of growth and with gain of lean mass, but also with a more central fat distribution.Study designShort children who were SGA (n = 25; age [mean ± SD], 5.3 ± 1.5 years) were randomly assigned to remain untreated (n = 14) or to receive GH (n = 11; sc 66 μg/Kg/d). Growth status and body composition were assessed at the study’s start, after 1 year, and after 2 years with anthropometry and absorptiometry.ResultsChildren who were treated with GH gained more height and weight than children who were untreated and developed a less adipose body composition (all P < .0001), as expected. However, these changes were also accompanied by a relatively more centripetal distribution of fat mass (0-2 year change in ratio of trunk fat to limb fat; 0.26 ± 0.23 versus 0.02 ± 0.15; P < .0001).ConclusionIn children who are SGA, catch-up growth induced by exogenous GH in high doses is accompanied by a less adipose body composition and a more central fat distribution.