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Indications for growth hormone therapy in children

Jeremy Kirk1

  • 1Department of Endocrinology, Birmingham Children's Hospital, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6NH, UK. jeremy.kirk@bch.nhs.uk

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|May 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone (GH) therapy is used for pediatric conditions like GHD and Turner syndrome to improve growth and body composition. While GH therapy offers choices, cost differences may impact future accessibility for patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Biotechnology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Growth hormone (GH) therapy has been available for over 50 years, with current treatments being biosynthetically produced and administered via daily injection.
  • Paediatric GH is approved for six conditions: GHD, TS, SGA, PWS, CRI, and SHOX deficiency, as confirmed by the 2010 NICE review.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current landscape of paediatric GH therapy in the UK.
  • To discuss the indications, utilization, and future considerations for GH treatment in children.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of UK national audit data on GH therapy.
  • Review of licensed indications and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Approximately 4700 children in the UK receive GH therapy, with about 760 new patients annually.
  • GH therapy aims to improve growth and body composition, with patient choice of device potentially enhancing adherence.
  • A significant price difference among GH products may restrict future patient choice.

Conclusions:

  • Paediatric GH therapy remains crucial for specific conditions, with ongoing monitoring of usage and adherence.
  • The availability of multiple GH manufacturers and device options presents both opportunities for improved adherence and challenges related to cost and accessibility.

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