[Increase in spontaneous growth hormone secretion in asthmatic children--a symptom of atopic disposition?].

BACKGROUND: Asthmatic children tend towards hyposomia. Although quite a number of suggestions have been made, the real cause of this phenomenon has not yet been revealed. Investigation of the growth hormone secretion and the IGF-I serum levels aims at clarifying whether an atopy-caused disturbance in the interaction between both the hormones is responsible for retardations in the growth and development of asthmatic children. METHODS: In 19 prepubertal extrinsic asthmatics the spontaneous growth hormone secretion was reviewed in form of a 24 h-profile. In addition, the IGF-I serum levels were measured. RESULTS: With a mean 24 h-secretion of 10.7 +/- 1.0 ng/ml and a maximum growth hormone peak of 39.5 +/- 5.8 ng/ml prepubertal extrinsic asthmatics showed an increased hormone secretion which, however, could not be observed with all the children. The IGF-I mean values were in 11 asthmatics within the normal range, decreased in 5 cases and increased in only 3 children.