The role of FSH in body composition in hematopoietic cell transplant recipients

Background Childhood cancer survivors who received a hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are at increased risk for follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) abnormalities, which may have a significant negative impact on bone health and body composition. This study's purpose was to examine FSH and body composition in HCT recipients, non‐HCT recipients and healthy controls. Methods The study included HCT recipients (n = 24), non‐HCT recipients (n = 309), and a control group of healthy siblings (n = 211) all aged 9–18 years. A fasting blood sample was collected to measure FSH. All participants underwent a dual X‐ray absorptiometry scan to assess total and regional percent fat, lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) mass. Results FSH was significantly higher in HCT recipients compared to non‐HCT recipients and healthy controls. HCT recipients had significantly lower total body weight, total LM, arm and leg LM, BMC and BMD compared to non‐HCT recipients and healthy controls (p