ALP, b-ALP, PICP and ICTP in children with growth hormone deficiency during the first year of growth hormone treatment

Introduction. Measurement of biochemical markers of bone turnover is an easily accessible method of non-invasive evaluation of bone turnover. In pediatric endocrinology, bone formation and bone resorption markers are useful in predicting the effects of growth hormone therapy. Aim. Evaluation of selected bone turnover markers and their usefulness in predicting the effects of treatment in children with growth hormone deficiency during the first year of growth hormone therapy. Material and methods. The studied group consisted of 27 children with growth hormone deficiency during the first year of growth hormone therapy. In all children anthropometric measurements were performed at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. Growth rate was calculated at baseline and after the first year of growth hormone treatment. Blood concentrations of ALP, b-ALP, PICP and ICTP were measured at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of treatment. Results. Concentrations of all the measured markers of bone formation increased significantly at 3 months of treatment. The concentration of the bone resorption marker changed significantly at 6 months of treatment. A correlation between serum concentrations of ALP, PICP, ICTP and growth rate in the first year of growth hormone treatment was found. Conclusions. After the start of growth hormone therapy bone metabolism accelerates significantly and a new balance between the processes of bone formation and bone resorption is established. Changes in levels of bone turnover markers correlate with growth rate in the first year of growth hormone treatment.