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Growth hormone improves height in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: 4-year data of a controlled study

S Bechtold1, P Ripperger, R Häfner

  • 1Endocrine Division, University Children's Hospital Munich, Lindwurmstrasse 4, D-80337 Munich, Germany. Susanne.Bechtold@helios.med.uni-muenchen.de

The Journal of Pediatrics
|October 23, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone therapy improved height in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and severe growth retardation. The treatment was safe, with better outcomes in patients with less active disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Rheumatology
  • Growth Disorders

Background:

  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) often causes growth retardation, particularly in patients receiving glucocorticoids.
  • Severe growth delay in JIA necessitates effective therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy and safety of growth hormone (GH) treatment in children with JIA and severe growth retardation.
  • To evaluate the impact of GH on growth parameters and disease activity markers.

Main Methods:

  • A controlled study involving children with systemic and polyarticular JIA.
  • Eighteen patients received GH therapy (0.20-0.33 mg/kg/week) for 4 years; 20 patients served as an untreated control group.

Main Results:

  • The GH-treated group showed a mean height improvement of 1 SD, while the control group lost 0.7 SD.
  • Disease activity correlated with growth velocity; children with milder disease and less comedication responded better.
  • No adverse events were reported during the 4-year study.

Conclusions:

  • Long-term GH therapy demonstrates a beneficial effect on growth in children with severe JIA.
  • Further research is required to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of GH treatment and its impact on final adult height.
Abstract

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