Growth hormone for children with chronic renal failure

D Vimalachandra1, J C Craig, C Cowell

  • 1Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, NSW, Australia, 2145. dushyann@chw.edu.au

Insights

Recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) treatment significantly increases height velocity in children with chronic renal failure (CRF) within one year. However, its effect on final adult height remains uncertain, warranting further research into longer or higher-dose treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Endocrinology
  • Clinical Trials Methodology

Background:

  • Chronic renal failure (CRF) in children can impair growth.
  • Recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) is a potential therapeutic intervention for growth deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of hGH treatment in children with CRF.
  • To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on height outcomes and adverse effects.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive search of multiple databases and expert contact identified 10 RCTs.
  • Studies included children aged 0-18 with CRF, comparing hGH to placebo/no treatment or different hGH doses.
  • Primary outcome was change in height standard deviation score (SDS); secondary outcomes included height velocity, final height, and quality of life.

Main Results:

  • One year of hGH (28 IU/m²/wk) significantly increased height SDS (WMD 0.77) and height velocity (WMD 4.1 cm/yr).
  • Higher hGH dose (28 vs. 14 IU/m²/wk) showed an additional 1.4 cm/yr increase in height velocity.
  • No further height gains were observed in the second year; side effect frequencies were similar to controls.

Conclusions:

  • One year of hGH treatment demonstrably improves height velocity in children with CRF.
  • The impact of hGH on achieving final adult height requires further investigation.
  • Optimal treatment duration and dosage for maximizing growth benefits in pediatric CRF patients need additional study.
Abstract

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