Malnutrition in children associated with low growth hormone (Gh) Levels.

Objective: This study aimed to compare serum levels of Growth Hormone in children with malnutrition and good nutritional status.

Method: This cross-sectional study included 41 participants consisting of 31 malnourished, 10 well-nourished children aged between 36 and 60 months. Demographic data of participants were obtained utilizing a questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined by calculating the Z-score of body weight for age, height for age, and body weight for height indices using the WHO classification. GH levels were determined by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method.

Result: Median serum GH levels in malnourished children were found to be lower i.e. 1.25ng/mL (minimum-maximum: 0.10-6.19ng/mL) compared to well-nourished children 11.01ng/mL (1.72-15.64ng/mL).

Conclusion: Serum GH levels can be used as indicators to assess nutritional status.