Faculty Collaboration Database

Lack of effect of growth hormone therapy on the count and density of melanocytic naevi in children. Br J Dermatol 1997 Oct;137(4):545-8

Date

12/09/1997

Pubmed ID

9390329

DOI

10.1111/j.1365-2133.1997.tb03784.x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0030813707 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   34 Citations

Abstract

An observation of accelerated growth of acquired melanocytic naevi (AMN) during treatment with human growth hormone (GH) raised concerns about the potential risk of melanoma in treated patients. An increased number of AMN, rather than growth rate, is associated with a higher risk for melanoma. It is unknown whether treatment with GH causes an increase in numbers of AMN. We evaluated the effect of GH treatment on the number of AMN in a cross-sectional study of 90 children with GH deficiency. AMN counts and densities in these children were compared with those found in a control group of 100 children. Factors potentially related to increased numbers of AMN, such as age, sex, skin colour, number of episodes of sunburn and duration of GH therapy were determined. Among the various factors, only the age and colour of unexposed skin area were predictive for the total number and density of AMN. No correlation was found between the AMN counts or density and the duration of GH therapy. There was no difference in AMN counts or density between the GH-deficient patient group and the control groups. We conclude that GH therapy in children is not associated with increased AMN count and density and is unlikely to potentiate the risk for melanoma in these children.

Author List

Zvulunov A, Wyatt DT, Laud PW, Esterly NB

Author

Purushottam W. Laud PhD Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Age Factors
Child
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Hormones
Human Growth Hormone
Humans
Male
Nevus, Pigmented
Risk Factors
Skin Neoplasms
Skin Pigmentation