Higher plasma somatomedin A (biological) and C (immunological) levels with sc than with im growth hormone replacement therapy

In a short-term cross-over study the effect of daily sc human growth hormone was compared with that of thrice weekly im treatment. At the end of each 6-week treatment period the 10 growth hormone deficient children were admitted to hospital for evaluation of diurnal plasma levels of hormones and intermediary metabolites. Somatomedin A as well as C levels were higher in 9 of 10 children after sc than after im growth hormone therapy. This may be the basis for previous observations of improved growth after change to sc treatment.