J Korean Med Assoc.  2008 Sep;51(9):849-855. 10.5124/jkma.2008.51.9.849.

Growth Hormone Therapy in Short Stature Children

• Lee KH

• KMID: 2185964
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2008.51.9.849

Abstract

Since 1985 recombinant DNA-derived human growth hormone (hGH) became available for treatment of various growth disorders in children. GH stimulates linear growth in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and also demonstrates efficacy in the treatment of Turner syndrome, chronic renal failure, Prader-Willi syndrome, and growth failure secondary to small for gestational age (SGA). Although recently FDA approved GH therapy for idiopathic short stature, the effect of GH treatment remains unclear. GH therapy is generally safe but GH has potential side effects. The decision of GH therapy in idiopathic short stature should be made individualized under consideration of the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and psychosocial aspects, and GH therapy must be carried out by pediatric endocrinologists or experienced physicians.

Keyword

Growth hormone; Efficacy; Safety; Short stature; Child

MeSH Terms

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

Figure

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  Figure 1 Normal female growth percentiles curves (dotted lines) and Turner syndrome growth curves (solid lines). Recipients of GH alone, before treatment (open circles) and after treatment (filled circles).

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  Figure 2 Mean height SDS for both GH dosage groups during 5 yr of GH treatment in SGA children (THSDS: target height SDS).

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  Figure 3 Effects of growth hormone treatment (A: growth rate, B: height SDS) in children with idiopathic short stature.

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