The effect of two different GH dosages on final height and bone geometry

Area of Science:

• Pediatric endocrinology
• Bone biology
• Growth disorders

Background:

• Growth hormone (GH) is crucial for bone development, influencing elongation and size.
• Understanding the impact of different GH dosages on bone geometry is important for pediatric growth management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of two distinct growth hormone (GH) dosages on final height and bone geometry in children with GH deficiency.
• To evaluate the dose-response relationship of GH therapy on skeletal development.

Main Methods:

• 121 children with GH deficiency were divided into two groups based on GH dosage (0.16 mg/kg/week vs. 0.3 mg/kg/week).
• Bone geometry was assessed at final height using digitalized X-rays of the left hand, measuring metacarpal index (MI), cross-sectional area (CSA), cortical area (CA), and medullary area (MA).

Main Results:

• The group receiving a higher GH dose (0.3 mg/kg/week) exhibited significantly greater height gain compared to the lower dose group (1.62 vs. 1.13 SDS).
• Higher GH dosage resulted in a significantly greater metacarpal index (0.62 vs. 0.55) and cortical bone area (46.87 vs. 42.69 cm²).
• The medullary area was significantly lower in the higher GH dose group (8.48 vs. 11.65 cm²).

Conclusions:

• Higher growth hormone (GH) doses lead to a significantly greater increase in final height in children with GH deficiency.
• Increased GH dosage positively impacts bone geometry, specifically enhancing cortical bone area and metacarpal index.