Objective: 

Children diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) display a normal intelligence quotient (IQ) distribution, but they may display behavioral problems consistent with attention-deficit disorder. In this study, we investigated effects of GH deficiency on attention with electrodermal activity (EDA) and continuous attention test in adult patients. Electrodermal activity (EDA) is thought to reflect sympathetic skin responses and attention to new information in the environment. We also examined autonomic functions.

Methods: 

We studied 8 healthy subjects and 8 patients with GHD. EDA (Skin Conductance Level, SCL), heart rate and respiratory frequency were recorded with MP30 system. While tonic records of EDA (no stimuli) were taken during 120 seconds, phasic records of EDA were recorded together with 15 auditory stimuli (1000 Hz, 90 dB, 1 sec duration, to attract their attention). The Spielberger Anxiety Scale was also performed.

Results: 

In patients, the left-hand tonic SCL (p <0.01) was significantly lower than the control group. Phasic SCL was maximum response among first 3 auditory stimuli. The left-hand phasic SCL was also significantly lower than the control group (p <0.04) There were no significant differences for The Spielberger Anxiety Scales, continuous attention test and autonomic functions between groups.

Conclusions: 

The patients with GHD showed diminished EDA parameter and so diminished attention level. Activation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors in the hypothalamus stimulates GH release, probably through stimulation of GHRH. Activation of beta-receptors inhibits GH release through stimulation of hypothalamic SS function. It is thought that diminished EDA responses and attention level in patients with GHD may result from differences in catecholaminergic system via beta-receptors.