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Treatment with recombinant human growth hormone during childhood is associated with increased intraocular pressure

Ilan Youngster1, Rony Rachmiel, Orit Pinhas-Hamiel

  • 1Division of Pediatrics, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel. ilanyoungster@yahoo.com

The Journal of Pediatrics
|June 26, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Children treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) show increased intraocular pressure (IOP). This elevation in IOP is linked to longer rhGH treatment duration and higher doses, highlighting a potential risk in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is used to treat various growth disorders in children.
  • The potential impact of rhGH on intraocular pressure (IOP) requires thorough investigation.
  • Understanding rhGH's ocular effects is crucial for comprehensive patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the association between rhGH treatment and IOP in pediatric patients.
  • To compare IOP levels in children receiving rhGH with matched controls and normative data.
  • To identify factors influencing IOP changes during rhGH therapy.

Main Methods:

  • An observational cohort study design was employed.
  • Children treated with rhGH for ≥12 months were compared to matched controls and age-adjusted normograms.
  • Ocular assessments included slit lamp examination and Goldmann applanation tonometry.

Main Results:

  • Mean IOP was significantly higher in the rhGH treatment group (16.09 ± 2.2 mm Hg) versus controls (13.26 ± 1.83 mm Hg) and normograms (14.6 ± 1.97 mm Hg).
  • IOP elevation positively correlated with treatment duration (r = 0.559, P < .001) and rhGH dosage (r = 0.274, P = .043).
  • The study included 55 children in the treatment group and 24 in the control group.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric rhGH treatment is associated with increased intraocular pressure.
  • Elevated IOP is linked to longer treatment duration and higher rhGH dosages.
  • Regular IOP monitoring may be warranted for children undergoing rhGH therapy.
Abstract

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