Results of hormonal studies in 23 adolescents with renal failure treated by chronic dialysis

The hormones regulating growth, growth hormone (hGH), IGF I, sex steroids, thyroxin (T4) and parathormone (PTH) have been measured in 23 adolescents aged from 13.5 to 20 years (14 boys, 9 girls), with chronic renal failure treated with haemodialysis. Growth velocity (GV) was (mean +/- DS) 4 +/- 2.1 cm/year in boys and 1.6 +/- 1.65 in girls, with a bone age of 12.9 +/- 2.4 cm/year. T4 and DHA sulfate (DHAS) differed according to sex (boys: T4 = 70 +/- 4.7 ng/ml; DHAS = 655 +/- 139 ng/ml; girls: T4 = 102 +/- 16.6 ng/ml; DHAS = 118 +/- 35 ng/ml). IGF I, within normal limits, was correlated to bone age and pubertal stage. T4 was negatively correlated to testosterone and SDHA in boys. GV expressed as SD according to bone age was negatively correlated to PTH.hGH deficiency was evidenced in one case, and GV increased under hHG therapy. It is concluded that measuring hormones is necessary in renal failure. Secondary hyperparathyroidism is an inhibiting growth factor. Possible hormonal deficiencies have to be treated.