Association between Haemoglobin and Growth Hormone peak in Chinese Children and Adolescents with Short Stature: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: This research aimed to investigate the relationship between haemoglobin (Hb) and growth hormone (GH) peak in children and adolescents with short stature. Methods: This cross-sectional study included a total of 787 children and adolescents with short stature. Anthropometric and biochemical indicators were measured at baseline. All patients underwent GH provocation tests with L-dopa and insulin to assess GH peak levels. Results: The univariate analysis results showed that Hb was positively associated with GH peak (β 0.07, P=0.001). Furthermore, a non-linear relationship was detected between Hb and GH peak in multivariate piecewise linear regression analysis, and the breakpoint was 123 g/L. GH peak increased with Hb elevation when the Hb level was greater than 123 g/L (β 0.08, 95% CI 0.01, 0.14; P=0.0207). However, when the Hb level was lower than 123 g/L, there was no significant relationship between Hb and GH peak (β -0.12, 95% CI -0.30, -0.06; P = 0.1867). Conclusion: In children and adolescents with short stature, we found a non-linear association between Hb and GH peak. These findings suggest that clinicians should pay more attention to Hb levels in patients with short stature.