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Growth hormone treatment for small for gestational age children

Vivian Gallardo1, Enrique Teran2, Fernando Cassorla3

  • 1Exequiel González Cortés Hospital, Santiago, Chile; Department of Pediatrics, Clínica Universidad de los Andes, Santiago, Chile.

Growth Hormone & IGF Research : Official Journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society
|April 19, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Growth hormone (GH) therapy can help children born small for gestational age (SGA) who don't experience catch-up growth. Early, individualized treatment is key for optimal height outcomes and safety.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Growth Disorders

Background:

  • Children born small for gestational age (SGA) face risks of persistent short stature and metabolic issues.
  • While most SGA infants catch up, 10-15% remain short, necessitating intervention.
  • Growth hormone (GH) therapy is an established treatment for this subgroup.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the rationale, indications, and guidelines for GH therapy in SGA children.
  • To discuss growth response, efficacy predictors, and safety of GH treatment.
  • To examine GH response in syndromic SGA and explore new formulations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing evidence on GH therapy in SGA.
  • Analysis of international guidelines on treatment initiation and dosing.
  • Evaluation of safety and metabolic monitoring data.

Main Results:

  • GH therapy shows efficacy in improving growth in non-catch-up SGA children.
  • Early initiation and individualized dosing are crucial for maximizing height gains.
  • Long-term safety and metabolic monitoring are essential aspects of treatment.

Conclusions:

  • GH therapy is a viable option for SGA children with persistent short stature.
  • Optimizing treatment strategies, including early intervention and personalized dosing, improves outcomes.
  • Further research on long-acting formulations and long-term outcomes is needed.

Keywords:
Catch-up growthGrowth hormoneInsulin-like growth factor IShort statureSmall for gestational age

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