Kidney growth and renal functions under the growth hormone replacement therapy in children

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to investigate the kidney growth and renal functions in children receiving recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment. Materials and methods: A total of 37 children who received rhGH for 1.5 years before the study was started and 48 healthy controls were included at first evaluation. Hormone levels were determined and kidney sizes were measured by ultrasound. Kidney functions were assessed by serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). After 3 years of first evaluation, 23 patients were re-assessed. Results: Kidney sizes were found to be lower in rhGH received children compared with controls at first evaluation (p < 0.05). Significant positive correlations were found between anthropometric measurements and kidney length and kidney volume (p < 0.05). Height was the most significant predictor of kidney volume in rhGH received children (p < 0.001). After 3-years of follow-up significantly increases were found in kidney length and volum...