Growth over 10 years following a 1-year trial of growth hormone therapy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Nephrology
• Growth Hormone Therapy

Background:

• Children with chronic renal failure (CRF) and those who have undergone renal transplants often experience short stature.
• Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is a potential therapeutic option for improving growth in these populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term growth outcomes in short children with CRF and renal transplants treated with rhGH.
• To evaluate the effect of rhGH on height standard deviation scores (Ht SDS) over a 10-year follow-up period.

Main Methods:

• A 1-year trial of rhGH therapy was initiated in three groups of prepubertal and pubertal children.
• Patients included prepubertal children with CRF, prepubertal children with renal transplants, and pubertal children with renal transplants.
• Growth (Ht SDS) was monitored during rhGH treatment and over a 10-year follow-up period.

Main Results:

• In prepubertal children with CRF, Ht SDS increased significantly during rhGH therapy and was maintained at 10 years.
• Children with renal transplants showed some improvement in Ht SDS during rhGH treatment, with final heights showing statistical significance in the pubertal group after cessation of therapy.
• Overall, 13 patients who attained final height showed significant increases in Ht SDS during rhGH treatment and after stopping treatment.

Conclusions:

• The majority of short children with CRF and renal transplants experienced improved Ht SDS while on rhGH therapy.
• The positive effects on height were largely maintained after the cessation of rhGH treatment.
• Long-term follow-up revealed sustained growth benefits, suggesting rhGH is an effective treatment for growth failure in this cohort.