Abstract
In 7 girls age 13-18 yrs. with anorexia nervosa and secondary amenorrhea the gonadotropines (LH and FSH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) were evaluated by stimulation tests; in addition estradiol (E2) and progesteron (P) were determined. The basal values of LH and FSH were low compared to controls. After luteinizing releasing hormone (LHRH) stimulation (100 μg iv bolus) the LH peak levels were decreased as well, whereas FSH showed exaggerated responses.E2 was significantly decreased in all cases. P levels were in the upper range of the normal controls. The basal TSH and PRL levels were in the normal range. After thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation (200 μg iv) the responses of both TSH and PRL were normal as well. GH response was determined after insulin tolerance test (TT) and after LHRH: the initial GH-values in both stimulation tests were elevated in 3 of the 7 patients; however, the following value was much lower. In the ITT one of the 7 girls had an insufficient GH response, after LHRH there was no GH response with one exception. In conclusion LH and FSH responses in anorexia nervosa showed prepubertal patterns. TSH and PRL responses were normal. The increased initial GH levels might be interpreted as reaction to venipuncture and not as increased basal levels. - Informed consent was obtained from all patients.
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Waldhauser, F., Frisch, H., Toifl, K. et al. Abstracts: 18th ANNUAL MEETING. Pediatr Res 13, 1195 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197910000-00088
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197910000-00088