Growth Hormone Therapy in Short Stature Children

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.