Abstract
To study the HGH-dependency of the T4-T3-conversion rate 12 patients with proven HGH-deficiency were examined. 8 patients showed additionally an impared TSH secretion compatible with secondary hypothyreoidism. T4, T3, TSH and TBG were measured by specific radio-immunoassay a) under current substitution therapy, b) after its cessation for at least 4 weeks and c) after recommencement in two weeks intervalls.
Results: Under current therapy all values were in the normal range. After cessation of therapy, T4 decreased in all patients with hypothyreoidism below 5, 0 mcg% while T3 kept the level> 80 ng% in 3 cases and was found below the lower limit in the other 5 patients. TSH levels remained unchanged in the normal or low basal range. In the 4 patients with isolated HGH deficiency T4 and T3 remained as to be expected in the normal range. 4-6 weeks after recommencement of the prior therapy there was in all cases including those with isolated HGH deficiency a HGH dependent increase of T4 - T3 - ratio due to a slight or moderate decrease of T4 and an increase of T3.
Conclusion: In HGH deficient patients with or without additonal anterior pituitary insufficiencies HGH substitution cause a significant enhancement in the conversion of T4 to T3.
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Stolecke, H., Andler, W. The influence of human growth hormone (HGH) on the thyroxine (T4)-triiodothyronine (T3)-ratio in HGH deficient patients. Pediatr Res 13, 1193 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197910000-00076
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197910000-00076