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Safety of growth hormone treatment in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Dominique Simon1

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Hôpital Robert Debré, FR-75019 Paris, France. dominique.simon@rdb.aphp.fr

Hormone Research
|November 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone (GH) therapy in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) on glucocorticoids shows a good safety profile. Cautious consideration is advised due to limited patient numbers and follow-up duration.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Rheumatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) often require glucocorticoid therapy.
  • Growth hormone (GH) therapy is considered for growth deficits in these patients.
  • Concerns exist regarding the combined use of GH and glucocorticoids.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review available data on the safety of GH therapy in children with JIA receiving glucocorticoids.
  • To provide recommendations for monitoring patients undergoing combined therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of published data on GH therapy in glucocorticoid-treated children with JIA.
  • Analysis of reported adverse events, including effects on joint disease and glucose tolerance.

Main Results:

  • GH therapy in this population demonstrates a satisfactory safety profile.
  • Adverse effects on the joint disease course are rarely reported.
  • Impaired glucose tolerance has been uncommon in clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • GH therapy appears safe for children with JIA on glucocorticoids.
  • Initiation of GH therapy warrants cautious decision-making due to limited patient data and follow-up durations.
Abstract

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