Influence of growth hormone (GH) and nutrition on neonatal growth
Díaz-Gómez, N.M.; Doménech Martínez, E.; Barroso Guerrero, F.; Cortabarria Bayona, C.; Rico Sevillano, J.
Anales Espanoles de Pediatria 46(1): 41-46
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0302-4342 PMID: 9082886 Document Number: 483320
Serum and 24-h urine growth hormone (GH) levels, various anthropometric variables and daily energy and nutrient intakes were measured in appropriate- (AGA), large- (LGA) and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborn infants. These variables were measured at 1 (n=98), 3 (n=41) and 5 weeks of postnatal age (n=3). The highest GH levels at the first week of postnatal life were obtained in preterm SGA infants. GH levels decreased in preterm infants, so that differences between groups failed to be significant at the third and fifth weeks of postnatal life. Urinary GH excretion did not show significant variations in the control group during the study (first week 3.0+or-3.5; 3rd week 2.3+or-2.7; 5th week 3.2+or-4.7 ng/kg per 24 h). Daily protein intake had a direct relationship with triceps skinfold and weight and head perimeter increase. SGA preterm infants showed a higher fat increase than AGA preterm infants. Serum and urinary GH levels were not related to the anthropometric variables studied. It is concluded that differences exist in GH secretion and body composition between SGA and AGA preterm infants and that GH probably does not contribute to neonatal growth.