M.Susan Jay

Human Growth Hormone: A New Substance Of Abuse Among Adolescents?

It has been estimated that as many as 250,000 adolescents are using anabolic steroids (AS). Recently, anecdotal reports suggest that athletes may also be using human growth hormone (HGH). The purpose of the present study was to determine the following: 1) if adolescents in two suburban midwestern high schools (83% white, 14% Asian, and 3% black) were using HGH; 2) knowledge of its effects; 3) reasons for use; and 4) concurrent AS use. After we obtained informed written consent, 224 male and 208 female 10th-grade students were surveyed using a 15-item questionnaire. Of male students surveyed, 5% (n = 11) reported past or present use of HGH, and one female student reported use. Our data suggest that among male adolescents surveyed, a majority had heard of this substance, and 31 % of males reported knowing someone who was using HGH. Chi-square analysis found a significant association between AS and HGH use where seven AS users reported past or present use of HGH. Most HGH users were unaware of its side effects and reported first use between 14 and 15 years of age. No differences in sports activity, ethnicity, or age were found between users and nonusers of HGH.

Early detection of cardiac dysfunction: Use of the myocardial performance index in patients with anorexia nervosa

OVERVIEW Patients with anorexia nervosa have functional cardiac abnormalities secondary to their nutritionally depleted state. These abnormalities include decreased left ventricular (LV) mass and varying degrees of LV systolic dysfunction. Assessment of LV diastolic function and quantitative assessment of right ventricular function are not routinely performed. The myocardial performance index (MPI) is a relatively new, simple, quantitative measure of global myocardial function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate left and right ventricular function in 13 patients with anorexia nervosa with the MPI and compare it to more commonly used echocardiographic measures of ventricular function.

The role of MRI in evaluation of an adolescent with a pelvic mass

Abnormalities of the genital tract are common in adolescent females. Evaluation of pelvic pathology generally involves the use of ultrasonography. Recently, MRI has been shown to be effective in the diagnosis of pelvic pathology in adult females. Here, we present the case of an 11-year-old female with a pelvic mass in whom MRI proved to be an important diagnostic tool.