In previous trials we demostrated that Zinc supplementation increased growth velocity in children with idiopathic short stature The purpose of this one is study the effect of Zinc supplementation on GH axis, in children whith severe idiopathic short stature

Method: We studied 33 prepuberal boys, age 7.9±1.8 years, birth weight 3159.7±402.1 Kg and height 48.9±1.6 cm. Height-2.6±0.9 (D S), previous growth velocity 4.0±1.1 cm/year, weight/height between 90-110%, bone age 4.9±1.5 years. Other causes of growth failure were excluded The peak GH on stimulation tests were > 7 ng/ml. They were asigned randomized and in double blind form, to 2 groups that recieved Zinc Acetate 20 mg/day or placebo for 6 months. At the begining bone age, nutritional questionnaire, hair and serum Zinc was tested. Anthropometry, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, insulin, testosterone, prolactin and urinary GHwere determined at 0.3 and 6 months

Results: Table

Table 1
Full size table

Conclusions No diferences in growth velocity or hormones and growth factors studied were seen at 6 month of Zinc supplementation in severe short normal children Both groups increased their previous height velocity This suggest that in this patients there must be other factors (different to Zinc deficiency) determining their severe stature deficit.