Korean J Pediatr.  2006 Jul;49(7):703-709. 10.3345/kjp.2006.49.7.703.

Current use of growth hormone in children

• Shin CH

• KMID: 2140881
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2006.49.7.703

Abstract

Since the advent of growth hormone(GH), children with a wide variety of growth disorders have received GH treatment. In GH deficiency(GHD), Turner syndrome, chronic renal failure, children born small for gestational age, Prader-Willi syndrome, and idiopathic short stature, the therapeutic effects and safety profile of GH are reviewed. GH therapy has been clearly shown to improve height velocity and final adult height in a variety of pediatric conditions in which growth is compromised irrespective of GHD. Early initiation and individualization of GH treatment has the potential to normalize childhood growth. The supra-physiological doses of GH have been shown to increase height velocity during childhood and final height in non-GHD conditions. Adverse events during GH therapy are uncommon and often not drug related. However continued surveillance into adult life is crucial, especially in children receiving supra-physiological doses or whose underlying condition increases their risk of adverse effects.

Keyword

Human growth hormone; Complication; Growth hormone deficiency; Turner syndrome; Small for gestational age

MeSH Terms

Adult
Child*
Gestational Age
Growth Disorders
Growth Hormone*
Human Growth Hormone
Humans
Kidney Failure, Chronic
Prader-Willi Syndrome
Turner Syndrome
Growth Hormone
Human Growth Hormone