Changes in body composition and energy expenditure after six weeks' growth hormone treatment

Article Abstract:

Although growth hormone has been used to treat children with short stature for 30 years, there is limited information about the relation between growth hormone treatment and changes in metabolism and body composition. Studies show that growth hormone is anabolic, that is, active in the constructive phases of body metabolism, such as growth and repair. Growth hormone treatment is also associated with a decrease in fat mass. There is limited information about the effects of growth hormone on energy expenditure. It was hypothesized that growth hormone treatment would initially increase energy expenditure, and that this may lead to changes in body composition. Changes in body composition were measured by three different techniques in 15 children who were treated with growth hormone for 6 weeks. In addition, resting and free living total energy expenditure were measured and assessed in relation to changes in body composition. Growth hormone treatment was associated with increases of 0.96 kilograms (2.1 pounds) in weight and 1.37 kilograms (3 pounds) of fat free mass, and a decrease in fat mass of 0.41 kilograms (0.92 pounds). Resting and free living total energy expenditure were increased. The decrease in fat mass was correlated with increased resting energy expenditure. These findings show that growth hormone treatment is associated with an increase in fat metabolism. Evaluation of metabolic changes provides information about the effectiveness of this treatment in promoting growth. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Measurement, Physiological aspects, Drug therapy, Body composition, Energy metabolism, Somatotropin, Stature, Short, Short stature

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Adolescent psychoses: treatment and service provision

Article Abstract:

The term psychoses refers to a group of mental disorders that can cause hallucinations, delusions, abnormal behavior, excitement or over-activity, social withdrawal, psychomotor retardation, or a catatonic state (to remain in a fixed posture without movement or talking). Psychoses develop in less than 1 out of every 1,000 children in mid-adolescence. It is estimated that only five percent of all adolescents attending outpatient clinics have psychotic disorders. Symptoms of psychosis include violence, bizarre or destructive behavior, attempted suicide, disinhibited sexual behavior, and repeated absconding. High levels of emotion and stressful life events can precipitate schizophrenia or depression. Also, substance abuse with cocaine or marijuana can produce symptoms of psychosis. Symptoms of schizophrenia, depression, or mania rarely appear before puberty. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important. Drugs used to treat schizophrenia include chlorpromazine, flupenthixol, and haloperidol. Depression is treated with drugs called tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Electroconvulsive therapy is reserved for severe protracted depression. Adolescents with psychotic disorders should be encouraged to participate in educational, social, and recreational activities. Many of the patients are able to live at home, but may require long-term psychiatric care and recurrent hospitalization. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Diagnosis, Mental illness, Psychiatric diagnosis, Psychoses, Psychotic disorders

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