[Growth hormone treatment in the Institute of Endocrinology]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Pediatrics
• Metabolic Disorders

Context:

• The Institute of Endocrinology established a dedicated pediatric growth hormone treatment center in 1993, expanding to include adults in 2004.
• By the end of 2006, 408 patients had received growth hormone therapy, adhering to international clinical and laboratory criteria.
• Treatment is financially covered by insurance and regularly monitored through 3-month check-ups, aligning with standardized international protocols.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of growth hormone treatment in a cohort of pediatric and adult patients.
• To assess treatment success using specific criteria for children (growth velocity, clinical/laboratory indices) and adults (metabolic parameters, body composition, bone density, quality of life).
• To report on patient outcomes, including success rates, adverse events, and treatment discontinuation.

Summary:

• Growth hormone therapy demonstrated an 80% success rate in pediatric patients, measured by growth velocity and other clinical indices.
• In adults, treatment success was evaluated through metabolic parameters, increased non-fatty body mass, enhanced bone density, and improved quality of life.
• No adverse events were recorded, with only four instances of early treatment discontinuation, indicating a high safety profile and good patient adherence.

Impact:

• The study highlights the significant benefits of growth hormone treatment in improving growth, metabolic health, body composition, and quality of life.
• The findings support the efficacy and safety of growth hormone therapy, with excellent patient compliance facilitated by organized social activities.
• This research provides valuable data for endocrine centers managing growth hormone deficiencies and related conditions.