Height, weight, and growth hormone secretion in children treated for acute leukemia

Abstract

Growth, weight gain, and human growth hormone secretion were studied for 3 to 7 years in 27 children with acute leukemia in complete continuous remission. Growth and weight gain were matched for sex and age by calculating the standard deviation score. The mean SD score for height velocity was subnormal during the three years of therapy. A catch up in growth and weight gain occurred during the first year after the cessation of therapy. The loss of final attained height was small. HGH secretion was studied at the end of therapy and at yearly intervals thereafter by two provocative tests; glucagon and sleep. No significant difference in secretion was seen between the group studied and a control group of children. Acute leukemia, children, growth, growth hormone, irradiation, weight gain.