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Adult height in children with idiopathic short stature treated with growth hormone

J P López-Siguero1, E García-Garcia, I Carralero

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital, Malaga, Spain.

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM
|January 12, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone (GH) treatment significantly increases adult height in boys with idiopathic short stature (ISS). This study found a mean height gain of 4.5 cm attributable to GH therapy in patients with ISS.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Growth Hormone Therapy

Background:

  • Idiopathic short stature (ISS) is a heterogeneous condition often managed similarly to familial short stature and constitutional delay.
  • Previous research suggests potential benefits of growth hormone (GH) treatment for increasing adult height in children with ISS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of GH treatment in increasing adult height for boys diagnosed with ISS.
  • To identify initial variables that may influence the final height outcome in response to GH therapy.

Main Methods:

  • A non-randomized, observational study involving 30 boys with ISS receiving GH treatment (0.5-0.7 IU/kg/week).
  • A historical control group of 42 patients with ISS was included for comparison.
  • Patients were monitored until they reached their final adult height.

Main Results:

  • The GH-treated group experienced a mean height gain of 4.5 cm attributable to the therapy.
  • A stepwise regression analysis indicated that predicted adult height and target height were significant factors influencing final height (R² = 0.38).

Conclusions:

  • Growth hormone treatment is effective in significantly increasing the final adult height of boys diagnosed with idiopathic short stature.
  • Initial growth parameters play a role in predicting treatment response and final height outcomes.

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