The Relationship Between Adipocytokine Levels, Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, and Visceral Fat Distribution in Children Diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency

Background Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in childhood impairs not only growth but also metabolic and cardiovascular health. Altered adipocytokine profiles, increased visceral fat, and early vascular changes may predispose children with GHD to long-term cardiometabolic risk. We aimed to evaluate adipocytokine profiles, visceral fat distribution, and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) in children with GHD, and to investigate their associations with cardiometabolic risk. Methods This prospective case-control study included 34 children with GHD and 34 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Anthropometric datas, biochemical parameters, and adipocytokine levels (adiponectin, leptin, resistin, apelin) were measured. Visceral fat thickness (VFT), subcutaneous fat thickness (SCFT) and cIMT were assessed by ultrasonography. Group comparisons and correlation analyses were performed using standard statistical tests. Results Children with GHD had significantly lower height, weight SDS, and target height compared with controls. Adiponectin levels were significantly higher in the GHD group [4.04 (SD±3.08) vs. 2.65 (SD±2.05) ng/mL] ( p=0.009 ), whereas leptin, resistin, and apelin did not differ. We observed that cIMT was increased in GHD patients [0.55 (SD±0.05) vs. 0.50 (SD±0.04) mm] ( p<0.001 ), particularly in males. Severe GHD cases had higher leptin and lower IGF-1 SDS compared with moderate GHD, while moderate cases showed higher adiponectin. Correlation analyses revealed positive associations of leptin with BMI, body fat, triglycerides, VLDL, and HOMA-IR, and negative correlations of adiponectin with total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL. Also, cIMT correlated positively with leptin, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Conclusion Children with GHD demonstrate altered adipocytokine profiles, increased cIMT, and greater visceral fat, suggesting early vascular risk. Early recognition and GH therapy may help prevent long-term cardiometabolic complications.