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Orthopaedic concerns in children with growth hormone therapy

Pierre-Louis Docquier1, Maryline Mousny, Mathieu Jouret

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Clinics Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium. Pierre-Louis.Docquier@clin.ucl.ac.be

Acta Orthopaedica Belgica
|October 16, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone (GH) therapy in children can lead to severe orthopedic issues like slipped capital femoral epiphysis and scoliosis. Careful patient screening and ongoing monitoring are crucial during GH treatment to manage potential complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Growth Hormone Therapy

Background:

  • Growth hormone (GH) therapy is a common treatment for children with growth disorders.
  • While beneficial, GH therapy is associated with potential severe orthopedic complications.
  • These complications necessitate careful consideration of patient risk factors and monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the spectrum of orthopedic complications associated with growth hormone therapy in children.
  • To inform pediatricians and orthopedic surgeons about potential risks and management strategies.
  • To highlight the importance of pre-treatment evaluation and ongoing surveillance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on orthopedic complications in children treated with GH.
  • Analysis of reported cases and established risk factors.
  • Synthesis of clinical and radiographic monitoring recommendations.

Main Results:

  • Common orthopedic complications include slipped capital femoral epiphysis, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, scoliosis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Certain pre-existing conditions may contraindicate GH therapy.
  • Close clinical and radiographic monitoring is essential during treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric orthopedic surgeons play a key role in managing GH therapy-related complications.
  • Risk factor assessment before initiating GH therapy is critical.
  • Continuous monitoring and timely intervention are necessary to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.

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