[Experiences with growth hormone therapy in pituitary dwarfism]

The recommendations of the growth hormone dose for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency are similar, but there is still some uncertainty about the question which dose is optimal for the patients needs. The results of 10 patients with growth hormone deficiency are discussed. The indication to change the weekly dose from 8 IU to 12 IU growth hormone was dependent on the growth velocity. The mean growth velocities were: 7.61 cm for the first year, 6.22 cm for the second year, 6.21 cm for the third year and 6.66 cm for the fourth year. At any time, when we increased the dose, we saw an increment of the height afterwards. It remains to be determined, whether it means, that the genetically existing growth potential can be stimulated any time. When we compare the mean height velocity for the first 4 years with the results of other groups, we can see, that we did not lose growth power despite the late change to a third growth hormone injection. The mean growth velocity of the first 4 treatment years was 6.67 cm.