Objective: A small number of studies were reported regarding the direct and indirect effects of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) especially on the erythrocyte series. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of GH treatment (GHT) used in patients with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) on hematological parameters.

Methods: The records of the patients who were diagnosed as having IGHD in our clinic and received GHT for at least two years between 2013 and 2019 were retrospectively examined. Height, height standard deviation scores (SDS), weight, weight SDS, IGF-1, annual growth rates, and changes in blood count parameters before and after the GHT were recorded. The statistical analyses were made using SPSS v.20 Package Program, and the significance level was accepted as p<0.05.

Results: A total of 37% (n=23) of the 62 patients that were included in the study were female, and 63% (n=39) were male. It was determined that the age of the patients was between 2-16 years at the time of diagnosis, and the median age at diagnosis was 10.8. After the GHT, a significant increase was detected in the distribution and volume of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red sphere count (p<0.05). A statistically significant but clinically insignificant decrease was detected in the platelet count and there was an increase in the platelet volumes (p<0.001). A clinically significant decrease was detected in the number of white sphere, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It was determined that GHT had a stimulating effect on erythropoiesis in IGHD. It was also shown that GHT caused a number of changes on the platelet count, white sphere count, and the lymphocyte and neutrophil parameters, which were not clinically important. We believe that studies at in vitro and molecular level are needed to explain the effects of GHD and GHT on the hematopoietic system.

Keywords: Growth hormone, isolated growth hormone deficiency, growth hormone therapy, hematological parameters, child