Related Experiment Videos
Predictive criteria for successful growth promotion in growth hormone therapy of short stature: a comparison between
M Hermanussen1, K Geiger-Benoit, C J Partsch
1Children's Hospital, University of Kiel, FRG.
Insights
Growth hormone (GH) treatment for short stature can be predicted by leg length measurements. Serial leg length monitoring in children receiving GH therapy offers early insights into individual growth responses.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Growth Disorders
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) is increasingly used for short stature beyond classic GH deficiency.
- Evaluating GH efficacy in diverse short stature conditions is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess growth response to GH therapy in short children with various conditions.
- To identify predictive markers for individual GH treatment responsiveness.
Main Methods:
- A one-year GH treatment study (14 IU/m2/week) in 24 short children.
- Regular stadiometry and knemometry for growth monitoring.
- Evaluation of GH stimulation tests and SM-C generation.
Main Results:
- 13 children were responders (growth increment ≥2 cm/yr), 11 were non-responders.
- GH stimulation tests and SM-C levels had limited predictive value.
- Serial lower leg length measurements predicted individual response in 21/24 children within 10 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Lower leg length monitoring is a valuable tool for predicting individual GH treatment response in short children.
- Early prediction of response can optimize GH therapy for various short stature conditions.
Abstract:
Due to increased availability of growth hormone (GH) for the treatment of short stature, its use has been proposed for a number of conditions besides classic GH deficiency. We have studied growth response during a one year treatment period with 14 IU/m2/week of GH in a heterogenous group of 24 short children with various conditions associated with short stature (SDS for body height ranging between -2.2 and -4.4). Thirteen children could be classified as "responders" with growth rate increments of 2 cm/yr or more above pretreatment growth rates, and 11 children as "non-responders". The children were measured regularly both by stadiometry and knemometry at weekly intervals. GH stimulation by insulin, arginine and spontaneous overnight secretion of GH, and SM-C generation were evaluated in the children and found to be of no predictive value for the individual responsiveness to GH administration except in one boy with classic GH deficiency. However, serial measurements of the lower leg length provided useful information for individual predictions in 21 out of the 24 children as early as 10 weeks after the start of the GH treatment.