Clinical Trial: Ghrelin Levels in Children With Poor Growth

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Ghrelin Levels in Children With Gastrointestinal Symptoms and/or Poor Growth

Brief Summary: The investigators hypothesize that low serum ghrelin levels may characterize a group of patients with poor weight gain and/or linear growth who do not have any other identified cause for growth failure. These patients may present with a variety of complaints and are often evaluated by both pediatric endocrinologists and pediatric gastroenterologists. The investigators hypothesize that ghrelin has a physiologically important role in linear growth and that chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal system, such as H. Pylori infection or celiac disease, may alter serum ghrelin levels in children. Low ghrelin levels may be a factor leading to poor growth, potentially by altering growth hormone secretion and/or by decreasing appetite. By measuring ghrelin levels in children with short stature and in children with gastrointestinal disease, the investigators will further elucidate the possible physiologic role of ghrelin in childhood growth and how it may be altered in conditions causing short stature and in certain gastrointestinal diseases.

Detailed Summary:
Sponsor: Tripler Army Medical Center

Current Primary Outcome:

  • Total Ghrelin Level [ Time Frame: Will be measured with baseline screening labs at enrollment. ]
  • Acylated Ghrelin Level [ Time Frame: Will be measured with baseline screening labs at enrollment. ]


Original Primary Outcome:

  • Total Ghrelin Level [ Time Frame: Will be measured with baseline screening labs at enrollment. If a treatable cause of poor growth is discovered, ghrelin will be remeasured 6 months after treatment is initiated and compared to baseline. ]
  • Acylated Ghrelin Level [ Time Frame: Will be measured with baseline screening labs at enrollment. If a treatable cause of poor growth is discovered, ghrelin will be remeasured 6 months after treatment is initiated and compared to baseline. ]


Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: Tripler Army Medical Center

Dates:
Date Received: February 12, 2010
Date Started: January 2008
Date Completion:
Last Updated: January 15, 2013
Last Verified: January 2013