Effect of testosterone therapy for delayed growth and puberty in boys with inflammatory bowel disease

Mason, A., Wong, S.C. , McGrogan, P. and Ahmed, S.F. (2011) Effect of testosterone therapy for delayed growth and puberty in boys with inflammatory bowel disease. Hormone Research in Paediatrics, 75(1), pp. 8-13. (doi: 10.1159/000315902)

Abstract

Background: Pubertal delay and growth retardation are common in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Aims: To assess pubertal status and growth in a group of boys with IBD undergoing testosterone therapy for pubertal induction. Methods: Retrospective study of height, weight and pubertal status in 8 boys with IBD before and after testosterone therapy. Height velocity (HV) over the 6 months before each assessment was converted to standard deviation score. Markers of disease activity and concomitant medication were recorded. Response was based on an advance in pubertal status and a greater than 50% increase in HV. Results: Eight boys with IBD, median age 14.8 years, had pubertal induction using either monthly injections of 50 mg Sustanon or daily 2.5/5 mg Andropatch. Seven boys showed an advance of pubertal status. Six boys had a greater than 50% increase in HV; median HV at T0 was 1.6 cm/year (0, 5) compared with 6.9 cm/year (1, 11.7) at T6 (p = 0.005). C-reactive protein during testosterone therapy had a significant association with HV at T6 (r = -0.786; p = 0.021). Conclusion: In most cases, testosterone therapy in boys with IBD and delayed growth and puberty is associated with an advance in pubertal status and an improvement in growth.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wong, Dr Jarod and Ahmed, Professor Syed Faisal
• Authors: Mason, A., Wong, S.C., McGrogan, P., and Ahmed, S.F.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
• Journal Name: Hormone Research in Paediatrics
• ISSN: 1663-2818