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Predicting growth response among Egyptian prepubertal idiopathic isolated growth hormone deficient children
Nermin Salah1, Soha M Abd El Dayem, Lobna Fawaz
1Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Insights
Predicting growth hormone therapy response is key for children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency. Early predictors like GH peak and age of onset help personalize treatment for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Growth Hormone Therapy
- Child Development
Background:
- Idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (GHD) affects numerous children worldwide.
- Growth hormone (GH) therapy is a standard treatment, but individual responses vary.
- Identifying predictors of treatment response is crucial for optimizing outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify key predictors of growth response in children with isolated idiopathic GH deficiency undergoing GH therapy.
- To establish models for predicting treatment efficacy over the initial years of therapy.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 477 children with GH deficiency (GHD) receiving GH therapy was analyzed.
- Longitudinal follow-up ranged from 1 to 6 years.
- Multiple linear regression models were employed to determine significant predictors of growth response within the first 4 years of treatment.
Main Results:
- In the first year of therapy, significant predictors of growth response included GH peak (ln ug/L), age at therapy onset, and the difference between target height and current height (SDS).
- In subsequent years (2 and 3), growth velocity (GV) was strongly and positively correlated with the GV of the preceding year.
Conclusions:
- Predictive models for growth response to recombinant human GH (rhGH) therapy can aid in treatment individualization.
- Accurate prediction facilitates better adherence and cost-effectiveness, aligning with the primary goals of GH therapy.
Objective:
To determine the predictors of growth response to growth hormone treatment in a group of isolated idiopathic growth hormone (GH).
Patients And Methods:
477 GH deficient (GHD) children with GH therapy were included in the study. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 1 year and up to 6 years. Multiple linear regressions were performed to identify predictors of growth response to rhGH in the first 4 years of treatment.
Results:
In the first year, three significant predictors of growth were identified: GH peak [ln (ug/L)], age of onset of therapy and target height-height SDS. In the second and third years of therapy, growth velocity (GV) was both significantly and positively correlated to the GV (cm/year) of the previous year.
Conclusion:
Prediction models offer a valuable tool for individualization and assuring adherence to rhGH and thus a cost effective treatment, which is the ultimate goal of GH therapy.
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