Lack of effect of growth hormone therapy on the count and density of melanocytic naevi in children

An observation of accelerated growth of acquired melanocytic naevi (AMN) during treatment with human growth hormone (GH) raised concerns about the potential risk of melanoma in treated patients. An increased number of AMN, rather than growth rate, is associated with a higher risk for melanoma. It is unknown whether treatment with GH causes an increase in numbers of AMN. We evaluated the effect of GH treatment on the number of AMN in a cross- sectional study of 90 children with GH deficiency. AMN counts and densities in these children were compared with those found in a control group of 100 children. Factors potentially related to increased numbers of AMN, such as age, sex, skin colour, number of episodes of sunburn and duration of GH therapy were determined. Among the various factors, only the age and colour of unexposed skin area were predictive for the total number and density of AMN. No correlation was found between the AMN counts or density and the duration of GH therapy. There was no difference in the AMN counts or density between the GH-deficient patient group and the control groups. We conclude that GH therapy in children is not associated with increased AMN count and density and is unlikely to potentiate the risk for melanoma in these children.