Abstract 7

We evaluated the psychosocial function of 20 patients (11 girls and 9 boys) with GHD during their treatment with Growth Hormone (Nutropin 0.1 u/kg/day) and LHRH analogue (Lupron 300 ug/kg every 28 days) or placebo. The combined treatment was started during pubertal stage Tanner II or III. Table One psychologist performed the evaluation through a structured interview. The average age was 15.7 years in girls and 16.5 years in boys at the time of the interview. Results: a) Deficient self image in 100% of girls and 66% of boys. b) Negative discrimination in 63.6% of girls and 77.8% of boys, with use of nicknames in many patients. c) 50% of patients feared remaining definitively short. d) Wen offered the possibility of choosing between growing or maturing sesually, 100% of boys and 82% of girls preferred to grow. Our study shows that short stature affects negatively the self-image, self-esteem, and social behavior of GHD patients. The majority of patients preferred to grow rather than to develop sexually The pubertal delay induced by LHRH-a, however, affects negatively some girls. This fact must be taken into account when considering this therapy in patients with GHD. (Supported by Fondecyt 1940543).

Table 1 No caption available.
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