AIM: To analyze the changes in IGF-1, IGFBP-3, leptin and insulin after replacement doses of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in short prepubertal children with chronic renal failure (CRF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eleven children (3F:8M), with mean age of 9.6 years, were treated with rhGH (0.23 mg/Kg weekly for 12 months). Serum leptin, insulin, glucose, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were measured before, 6 and 12 months after beginning rhGH treatment. RESULTS: The serum levels of leptin, insulin and glucose did not vary during the treatment; normal leptin and glucose levels and high insulin were observed. There was a significant increment of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 during the use of rhGH. CONCLUSIONS: The replacement doses of rhGH during 12 months in a selected group of CRF children determined an increment in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3, associated to normal serum leptin and insulin resistance.
Anorexia; Dialysis; Growth hormone; Insulin; Leptin; Renal failure
