[Historical perspective on growth hormone treatment in children]

The history of growth hormone treatment can be divided into two episodes. Between 1958 and 1985 growth hormone was extracted from human pituitaries. Because of the scarcity little scientific research was carried out and efficacy was not optimal. In 1985 biosynthetic growth hormone became available, which facilitated research on the use of growth hormone for various indications. In the future further research is needed on the pathophysiology of growth disturbances, on methods to improve efficacy, and on possible side-effects of pharmacological dosages.