Growth Hormone Therapy and Bone Quality in Pediatric Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a skeletal disorder characterized by a parallel loss of bone mineral and matrix which results in enhanced bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures. The associated fractures, and the morbidity and mortality that ensue, make osteoporosis a public health problem of enormous proportions. Clinical and research observations strongly suggest that most adult osteoporosis has its roots in childhood and have identified both genetic and environmental factors as central to the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Osteoporosis is not only a major public health problem in the adult population but is increasingly diagnosed during childhood. Most cases are secondary to chronic illnesses (secondary osteoporosis). In chronically ill children several factors, in addition to the underlying chronic illness itself, may predispose to either reduced bone mass or impairment of bone quality. Osteoporosis in the otherwise healthy child (primary osteoporosis) is generally classified as either osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) or juvenile idiopathic osteoporosis (JIO).

Optimizing Vitamin D and calcium intake as well as a weight bearing exercise program are central approaches in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Despite increased awareness of this disorder in the pediatric population and more active implementation of these principles, an ever increasing number of children with osteoporosis present with symptomatic disease; that is progress to the stage of frequent peripheral fractures, vertebral compression fracture and/or deliberating pain. Bisphosphonates are often then added to the therapeutic regiment. However, it is widely acknowledged that little is currently known about the key factors that might predict the safe and effective use of these agents in this population.

Children whose bone biopsy results indicate an adynamic form of osteoporosis and who have low bone turnover markers make up a significant number of the children with symptomatic osteoporosis. Many of these patients have in addition growth failure (due to prolonged glucocorticoid usage and chronic illness) and some may have low growth hormone secretion. In this circumstance, the agent of choice would be an anabolic agent known to increase osteoblast activity, normalize histomorphometric parameters and improve bone quality. Unfortunately, one of the most promising of these agents, recombinant PTH (Teripeptide) is precluded from use in pediatric patients because of concerns regarding induction of osteosarcoma. It is unclear to what extent antiresorptive therapy might achieve these goals, although it has become the therapy of choice by default.

The Growth hormone (GH)/IGFI- axis plays a central role in longitudinal bone growth as well as in the acquisition and maintenance of bone mass in children. Studies, in both growth hormone excess and deficiency, suggest that growth hormone may be useful as an anabolic agent in children with osteoporosis. In acromegaly, bone turnover markers indicate activation of both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Both markers correlate with circulating GH and IGF-1 levels. IGF-1 levels are increased in cortical bone suggesting that the anabolic actions of GH are mediated by local production. The impact on bone density in unclear, as some studies show no differences from healthy controls. However, other studies indicate an increase in cortical bone mass while trabecular mass appears to be unchanged or somewhat reduced. Furthermore rates appear not to be increased.