Initiation of growth hormone therapy in idiopathic short stature: do gender differences exist?

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Growth Disorders
• Hormone Therapy

Background:

• Growth hormone (GH) registries suggest boys receive preferential treatment for idiopathic short stature (ISS).
• Understanding gender-based differences in GH treatment initiation is crucial for equitable care.
• Previous studies have not fully elucidated the factors influencing gender disparities in GH therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether significant differences exist between genders in age, auxological parameters, pubertal status, and target height at the initiation of GH therapy for ISS.
• To provide data that can inform clinical practice and policy regarding GH treatment for short stature.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 184 patients who commenced GH therapy for ISS between 2003-2011 was conducted.
• Data collected included auxological parameters, predicted height, parental height, and pubertal status.
• Statistical comparisons were made between male and female patient groups.

Main Results:

• Boys constituted a higher percentage (65.8%) of patients receiving GH therapy for ISS.
• No significant gender differences were observed in age, height-standard deviation score (SDS), body mass index-SDS, or pubertal status at therapy onset.
• Boys had a significantly higher predicted height-SDS compared to girls, despite similar midparental height-SDS.

Conclusions:

• The findings suggest that clinical and auxological factors at the initiation of GH therapy for ISS are similar between genders.
• The observed male predominance in GH treatment may be influenced by societal or family preferences rather than biological differences.
• Further research into psychosocial factors influencing treatment decisions is warranted to ensure equitable access to GH therapy.