Use of growth hormone in non-growth hormone deficient children

The easy availability of growth hormone (GH) in the Indian market has led to its increased use in the management of short stature. However, the therapy is expensive for most families. The possible benefits of such a therapy have to be carefully weighed against the cost and adverse effects. We discuss the drawbacks of relying on data based on predicted height to evaluate the benefits of GH therapy reported in the literature. It is the final adult height which is the true indicator of the efficacy of GH therapy. The only clear indications for GH therapy are short stature associated with GH deficiency and Turner syndrome. Classifying short stature may not be of much help in deciding the utility of GH therapy and the use of auxological criteria alone will increase the burden on society. At present, the use of GH in idiopathic short stature is not indicated in routine clinical practice.