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CompletedNCT05759624ClinicalTrials.gov record

Vesiculogenesis in Children With GH Deficiency (VESCIGHTP)

GH Deficiency

THE QUICK READ

What this study involves

The registry does not currently label this study as recruiting. Ask about its status before planning a screening visit.

Study type
Observational
Phase
Not applicable / not listed
Age range
5 years - 15 years
Sex eligible
All sexes
Healthy volunteers
Not accepted
Participants
10 Actual

These are starting points, not an eligibility decision. The research team must review the full requirements.

About the research

The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the size and derivational profile of the extracellular vescicles (EV) generated in children with GH deficiency, undergoing hormone replacement therapy with rhGH. Secondary objectives is to correlate vesiculogenesis with auxometric and biochemical parameters used in clinical-endocrine practice in the evaluation of short stature.

The results of the study will provide useful information to more rationally set up the clinical and biochemical follow-up of hormone replacement therapy with rhGH, as well as to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the multi-systemic action of GH, the most important anabolic hormone of the human organism.

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Methods:

At the Regional Reference Center for Growth Disorders, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Milan, 10 children of both sexes affected by isolated GH deficiency will be recruited according to the criteria set out in AIFA note 39 for this pathology (short stature: ≤ - 3 SD or ≤ -2 SD and growth velocity/year ≤ -1.0 SD for age and sex evaluated at least 6 months apart and peak GH at two different stimulating pharmacological tests \< 8 ng/ml). The exclusion criterion from the present study (and from treatment with rhGH) will be the presence of organic pathologies at the hypothalamic-pituitary level (assessed by brain MRI).

In basal conditions (pre-treatment), we will proceed with the collection of clinical and anthropometric/auxometric data, including the evaluation of body composition with bioimpedance analysis. The same work-up will be repeated at the subsequent 6-month follow-up (see below).

Each subject will undergo hormone replacement therapy with rhGH at a dose of 0.025-0.035 mg/kg of body weight per day (or 0.7-1.0 mg/m2 of body surface area per day).

In conditions of fasting (at least 12 hours), blood samples will be taken at T0 (i.e., before the start of hormone replacement therapy with rhGH) and at T6 (i.e., after 6 months of rhGH, approximately 10-12 hours after administration of the previous day's dose).

In the samples taken at T0 and T6, the dimensional and derivational profiles of the EVs will be determined. Markers for the following cell subtypes will be identified: endothelium (activated and not), monocytes, neutrophils, platelets, muscle, bone, and adipose tissue.

In basal conditions (T0) and at T6 the patients will be sampled for the determination of the following parameters: complete blood count + formula, blood glucose, insulin, glycated Hb, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, hsPCR, IGF-1, osteocalcin, ICTP, and PIIIINP.

Quantitative data will be expressed as mean ± SD or as median with interquartile range (Q1-Q3), as appropriate. Categorical data will be presented as frequencies and percentages, while continuous variables will be tested for normality and linearity. If appropriate, a log transformation of the data will be performed. The paired Student's t-test (or other non-parametric test) will be used to compare demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics among the same subjects at T0 vs. T6. EVs will be subdivided according to their size (exosomes, microvesicles, and total EVs) and their cellular origin identified by specific markers (e.g., CD14+, CD61+, CD62E+, CD105+, SCGA+, FABP+, etc). Multiple linear regression analysis will be applied to evaluate the association between EVs (as Δ% between T0 and T6 for the dimensional and also derivational profile), circulating IGF-1 levels (as Δ% between T0 and T6), and the rate of growth (T0 to T6). In addition, a paired Student t-test will be used to assess the rhGH-induced change in EV (T0 vs. T6). The test will be applied for all EV populations studied with the size profile and for all vesicular markers studied with the derivational profile. Alternatively, a non-parametric test will be applied. A p-value \< 0.05 will be considered.

Who may be able to participate?

The list below is the sponsor’s full registry wording. It can include conditions, prior treatment, test results and other requirements. A match in search does not mean you qualify.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • short stature: ≤ - 3 SD or ≤ -2 SD
  • growth velocity/year ≤ -1.0 SD for age and sex evaluated at least 6 months apart - peak GH at two different stimulus pharmacological tests \< 8 ng/ml

Exclusion Criteria:

\- presence of organic pathologies at the hypothalamic-pituitary level (assessed by performing brain MRI).

Study population

10 children of both sexes affected by isolated GH deficiency will be recruited according to the criteria set out in AIFA note 39 for this pathology (short stature: ≤ - 3 SD or ≤ -2 SD and growth velocity/year ≤ -1.0 SD for age and sex evaluated at least 6 months apart and peak GH at two different stimulus pharmacological tests \< 8 ng/ml).

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Treatment, groups and participation

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Assignment
Not reported
Masking
Not reported
Hormone replacement therapy with rhGH

Not reported in this registry record.

Drug: rhGH

rhGH DRUG

Hormone replacement therapy with rhGH at a dose of 0.025-0.035 mg/kg of body weight per day (or 0.7-1.0 mg/m2 of body surface area per day).

Prepare your questions

What researchers are measuring

Outcome measures describe what is being studied. They are not proof that a treatment works.

Primary measures

Size of extracellular vesicles

Time frame: Baseline and after 6 months

Change in size of extracellular vesicles after rhGH treatment

Derivational profile of extracellular vesicles

Time frame: Baseline and after 6 months

Change in derivational profile of extracellular vesicles after rhGH treatment

Secondary measures

Auxometric parameters - height

Time frame: Baseline and after 6 months

Change in height after rhGH treatment

Auxometric parameters - weight

Time frame: Baseline and after 6 months

Change in weight after rhGH treatment

Biochemical parameters - glycemia

Time frame: Baseline and after 6 months

Change in glycemia after rhGH treatment

Biochemical parameters - Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I)

Time frame: Baseline and after 6 months

Change in IGF-I after rhGH treatment

No results are flagged as posted.

Review the complete result tables and limitations in the official record.

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Research locations (1)

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1 locations

Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCSMilan, ItalyStatus unknown

Study team and timeline

Lead sponsor
Istituto Auxologico Italiano
Study start
Jun 24, 2022 Actual
Primary completion
Mar 26, 2026 Actual
Study completion
Mar 26, 2026 Actual
First posted
Mar 8, 2023 Actual
Last updated
Nov 10, 2026 Actual

Official study contacts

No central contact is listed. Check the locations and the official record.

Official study title

Evaluation of Vesiculogenesis in Children With GH Deficiency Undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy

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Source: ClinicalTrials.gov API v2. Information is submitted by sponsors and investigators. NLM does not approve the safety or science of all listed studies. Registry disclaimer.

Retrieved: Nov 12, 2026 · Last registry update: Nov 10, 2026