Growth Hormone/Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Axis Associated with Modifier Factors in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell anemia is a disease that develops episodes of acute pain and multiple organ dysfunction that can affect the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 (GH/IGF-1) axis. The severity of sickle cell anemia is influenced by modifying factors, such as levels of fetal hemoglobin (HbF), the co-inheritance of alpha-thalassemia, or treatment with hydroxyurea. Methods: This cross-sectional study in children with sickle cell anemia evaluated bone age (BA), adult height prediction (AHP) using BA, a target height (TH) calculated as the mean SDS of the parents, and laboratory parameters. Children were grouped according to serum levels of HbF, co-inheritance of alpha-thalassemia, and hydroxyurea therapy. Results: The mean age of the 39 children was 8.2 ± 2.2 years old. The average height was -0.75 ± 0.30 SDS, and 10.3% (4/39) had short stature. Adjusted levels of IGF-1 or IGFBP-3 were significantly higher in children with sickle cell anemia on hydroxyurea treatment, in children with HbF levels >10%, and in those without alpha-thalassemia. Using SDS, the growth potential of children with sickle cell anemia in relation to their parents calculated by the difference between AHP and TH as well as the difference between children’s height and their TH, were lower in children with co-inheritance of alpha-thalassemia. Conclusion: The study showed an association between modifying factors and the GH/IGF-1 axis in children with sickle cell anemia. Additionally, the co-inheritance of alpha-thalassemia was associated with decreased height in these children when adjusted for their parents’ height.