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Recombinant growth hormone for idiopathic short stature in children and adolescents

J Bryant1, C Cave, R Milne

  • 1Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, University of Southampton, Mailpoint 728, Biomedical Sciences Building, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton, Hants, UK, SO16 7PX.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|October 30, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone therapy can increase short-term growth and improve final height in children with idiopathic short stature (ISS). However, treated individuals may still be shorter than their peers, necessitating further research.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Genetics and Growth Disorders

Background:

  • Idiopathic short stature (ISS) is defined as short stature in children with unknown or hereditary causes.
  • Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is a therapeutic option for increasing growth and final height in children with ISS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in improving short-term growth and final height in children diagnosed with idiopathic short stature (ISS).

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted, searching multiple databases up to December 2002.
  • Included RCTs involved children with ISS and normal growth hormone secretion, treated with GH for at least six months compared to placebo or no treatment.
  • Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers, with final height as the primary outcome.

Main Results:

  • Nine RCTs were included. One study reported that girls treated with GH achieved a near-final height 7.5 cm greater than controls.
  • Short-term height gains varied from no increase to approximately 0.7 standard deviation over one year.
  • No significant improvement in health-related quality of life was observed, and no serious adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions:

  • Growth hormone therapy demonstrates potential for increasing short-term growth and improving near-final height in children with ISS.
  • Despite treatment, individuals may remain relatively short compared to normal stature peers.
  • Further large-scale, multicenter RCTs are recommended to focus on final height, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness.
Abstract

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