Involvement of hormonal circadian secretion in the growth of HIV-infected children
Rondanelli, M.; Caselli, D.; Maccabruni, A.; Maghnie, M.; Bacchella, L.; DeStefano, A.; Solerte, S.B.; Minoli, L.; Ferrari, E.
Aids 12(14): 1845-1850
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0269-9370 PMID: 9792385 DOI: 10.1097/00002030-199814000-00016Document Number: 533816
Objective: To evaluate the circadian secretion of hormones involved in the regulation of growth in childhood, namely growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, cortisol, adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in HIV-infected children. Design: The circadian secretory pattern of growth hormone, IGF-1, cortisol, ACTH and TSH was evaluated in 14 HIV-infected children; 13 healthy age- and sex-matched children were chosen as controls. Methods: Sampling was performed every 4 h from 0400 h to 2000 h and every 2 h from 2000 h to 0400 h. Rhythmometric data were analysed by single and population mean cosinor methods and by analysis of variance. Results: A statistically significant circadian rhythm for growth hormone, IGF-I and cortisol was detectable in HIV-seropositive children, but the mean basal IGF-I levels were below the normal range for age in 12 patients. A statistically significant circadian rhythm was not detectable for ACTH or TSH. Conclusion: These results show that there is a loss of the physiological regulation of growth hormone-IGF-I axis and a modification of 24 h TSH profile in our HIV-infected children. These abnormalities might be involved in the altered growth mechanism leading to the failure to thrive that is a peculiar feature of HIV-infected children.