GONADOTROPHIN, THYROTROPHIN AND PROLACTIN RESERVE IN β THALASSAEMIA

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Abstract
Gonadotropin (Gn), thyrotropin (TSH) and prolactin (PRL) reserve was evaluated in patients (aged 12-26 yr) with .beta. thalassemia. Abnormalities were detected in Gn reserve only. When compared with young adult controls, 3 of the 4 female patients and 1 of the 2 adult males had markedly impaired Gn responses to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH). Of the 5 prepubertal males, 1 had no Gn rise following LHRH, while responses in the other 4 patients were comparable to those in boys with delayed puberty. Only 1 adult male had an exaggerated LH response to LHRH. TSH and PRL dynamics were normal. No correlation could be found between the severity of the disturbance in the gonadal axis and the total number of blood transfusions. The findings correlate best with the severity of the disease process itself.

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