Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
Published on: January 7, 2016
Final height in Swedish children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency enrolled in KIGS treated optimally with
Otto Westphal1, Anders Lindberg,
1Göteborg Pediatric Growth Research Center, Institute of Clinical Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden. otto.westphal@vgregion.se
Insights
Children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) treated with human recombinant growth hormone (GH) achieved normal final height within their genetic potential. Some patients experienced disproportionality, but overall outcomes were positive.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric endocrinology
- Growth disorders
- Hormone replacement therapy
Background:
- Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) affects children's final height.
- Human recombinant growth hormone (GH) is a standard treatment.
- Understanding treatment outcomes is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the final height achieved by children with GHD treated with GH.
- To analyze height outcomes based on GHD severity and patient demographics.
- To determine if GH therapy allows children to reach their genetic height potential.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 401 Swedish children with idiopathic GHD treated with GH.
- Data collected from the KIGS database (1987-2006).
- Analysis of height at entry, puberty onset, and near final height, grouped by sex, age, and GHD severity.
Main Results:
- Mean final height, corrected for mid-parental height, was within the normal Swedish range for all groups.
- Patients with severe GHD achieved final heights similar to the normal Swedish population.
- Approximately 16% of patients exhibited disproportionality (short legs), correlating with parental short stature.
Conclusions:
- GH replacement therapy enables children with idiopathic GHD to reach a final height within the normal range.
- Treatment allows children to achieve their genetically determined height potential.
- While most achieve normal height, a subset may show disproportionality, indicating the need for further investigation.
Aim:
To assess final height in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) treated with human recombinant growth hormone (GH).
Methods:
Final height data for 401 Swedish children with idiopathic GHD and treated with GH, included in KIGS (Pfizer International Growth Database) between 1987 and spring 2006, were analysed retrospectively. Data were grouped according to sex, age and severity of GHD. Height at entry into KIGS, at the onset of puberty and near final height were analysed between groups.
Results:
Groups were heterogeneous for GHD, which ranged from partial to severe. For all groups, mean final height corrected for mid-parental height was within the normal Swedish height range. In patients with severe GHD, mean final height was almost identical to mean normal Swedish height. About 16% of patients showed disproportionality (short legs) at final height and were significantly shorter than other patients. The parents of these children also demonstrated short stature.
Conclusion:
Children with idiopathic GHD receiving GH replacement therapy can achieve a final height that as a group is within the normal range and all achieve a height within their genetic potential.
Related Concept Videos
Nature and Nurture
Signs of Puberty
Polygenic Traits
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Cellular Adaptation II: Hypertrophy
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
