Short stature is a general term that usually accompanies a lack of growth hormone among people, and is more common among children. In this study, some kidney functions and lipid profile tests were evaluated in children and adolescents with short stature to find any relationship between the disturbance in these parameters and the etiology of short stature. A total of 60 short stature patients with a growth hormone deficiency, age range between 4-18 years, along with 60 age-matched healthy volunteers, were included in this study. Serum levels of GH, IGF-1, urea, and creatinine, as well as lipid profile, were determined, and then statistical analysis was performed on the collected data. The obtained results indicated a significant decrease in serum levels of GH and IGF-1 (p <0.01) in patients compared to control values. The results also indicated a substantial increase in serum levels of triglycerides and VLDL, mainly seen in children, and reported non-significant differences in HDL, LDL, and urea levels for GHD patients compared to control values. Additionally, the results showed a significant increase in the creatinine level of adolescent patients only. This study concluded that there is a clear relationship between disturbances in creatinine levels and the promotion of GHD in short stature patients. Current work has demonstrated that anomalies in the lipid profile, especially triglycerides and VLDL, are closely related to the causes of short stature. Finally, and most importantly, we can suggest that triglycerides and VLDL may help identify patients at an early age who are at risk of short stature, especially children.
Ghrelin and growth hormone serum levels during the clonidine test in children with short stature and variable growth hormone status
