Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 11, 2025

Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
11:17

Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays

Published on: January 7, 2016

16.9K

One Year of GH Treatment for Growth Failure in Children With Anorexia Nervosa: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Juliane Léger1,2, Anne Fjellestad-Paulsen1, Anne Bargiacchi3

  • 1Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert Debré University Hospital, Endocrinology-Diabetology Department, Reference Center for Growth and Development Endocrine Diseases, Paris, France.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|March 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Human growth hormone (GH) injections significantly increased height velocity in children with anorexia nervosa (AN) and growth impairment. This treatment offers a promising option for improving growth outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Childhood Growth Disorders
  • Anorexia Nervosa Research

Background:

  • Children with anorexia nervosa (AN) face risks of adult height deficit due to prolonged low height velocity (HV).
  • Severe growth impairment in pediatric AN necessitates effective interventions to optimize final height.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of human growth hormone (GH) injections in enhancing HV in children diagnosed with AN and exhibiting severe growth impairment.
  • To assess the impact of GH therapy on growth velocity over a 12-month period.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, randomized, double-blind, single-center, proof-of-concept trial was conducted.
  • Participants included children with AN and HV ≤2 cm/year for ≥18 months, with specific bone age criteria.
  • Patients received daily subcutaneous injections of human GH (0.050 mg/kg/day) or placebo for 12 months.

Main Results:

  • The GH group showed a significantly greater height gain (9.65 cm) compared to the placebo group (3.85 cm) after 12 months.
  • 100% of patients in the GH group achieved an HV > 5 cm/year, versus 50% in the placebo group (P = 0.05).
  • Adverse events were mild, non-fatal, and occurred similarly in both groups, without treatment discontinuation.

Conclusions:

  • GH administration is a potentially valid therapeutic option for improving HV in children with AN and severe, prolonged growth failure.
  • This study provides evidence supporting GH as a strategy to mitigate adult height deficit in pediatric AN.
Abstract

Keywords:
anorexia nervosachildrengrowth arrestgrowth hormone

More Related Videos

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System04:48

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System

Published on: May 8, 2018

11.3K
Mechanical and Controlled PRP Injections in Patients Affected by Androgenetic Alopecia03:22

Mechanical and Controlled PRP Injections in Patients Affected by Androgenetic Alopecia

Published on: January 27, 2018

15.3K

Related Concept Videos

Nature and Nurture01:10

Nature and Nurture

Many human characteristics, like height, are shaped by both nature—in other words, by our genes—and by nurture, or our environment. For example, chronic stress during childhood inhibits the production of growth hormones and consequently reduces bone growth and height. Scientists estimate that 70-90% of variation in height is due to genetic differences among individuals, and 10-30% of variation in height is due to differences in the environments that individuals experience,...
21.4K
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon01:15

Hypoglycemia and Glucagon

Without prolonged fasting, healthy individuals maintain blood glucose levels above 3.5 mM due to a well-adapted neuroendocrine counterregulatory system that effectively prevents acute hypoglycemia, a potentially life-threatening condition. The primary clinical scenarios for hypoglycemia encompass diabetes treatment, inappropriate production of endogenous insulin or insulin-like substances by tumors, and the use of glucose-lowering agents in non-diabetic individuals. Notably, hypoglycemia in the...
514
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects01:16

Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects

Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
382
Anorexia Nervosa01:28

Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
371
Hormones and Bone Tissue01:17

Hormones and Bone Tissue

The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
3.3K
Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
869