ESPE Abstracts

Background: Numerous studies have shown that GH, in addition to promoting linear growth, exerts a key role in many metabolic processes. However, there are only few studies aiming at evaluating the metabolic panel of children with GH deficiency (GHD). The aims of the study were: to verify the presence of metabolic alterations in GHD children in comparison with age-matched controls and to check the possible effects of 2 year GH therapy on the metabolic parameters in GHD.<p c...

Background: minipuberty (MP) consists in a postnatal activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which occurs physiologically in both sexes during the first months of life. FSH and LH peak between 1 and 3 months, stimulating sex hormones secretion. In preterm infants, MP might lead to a stronger and more protracted hormonal stimulation, even if specific literature data are limited and not univocal. Immaturity of the hypothalamic feedback has been ...

Objective: Minipuberty (MP) is still not well defined in small for gestational age (SGA) infants, due to controversial literature data. The present study aims to evaluate MP in SGA infants, both preterm and full-term, compared with those born adequate for gestational age (AGA), during the first year of life.Design: Case-Control, Prospective Study.Methods: The study population included 33 SGA newbor...