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Adult height in children with prepubertal short stature secondary to intrauterine growth retardation
J L Chaussain1, M Colle, J P Ducret
1Department of Paediatrics, Hôpital St Vincent de Paul, Paris, France.
Insights
Children with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) often experience reduced adult height. This study suggests growth hormone therapy may be beneficial for improving final height in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Growth and Development
Background:
- Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is a significant cause of childhood growth failure.
- Children born with IUGR frequently do not achieve normal adult height.
- Reduced final height in IUGR patients can have long-term psychosocial implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the final adult height of children with IUGR.
- To compare achieved adult height with predicted target height in this cohort.
- To explore the potential utility of growth hormone therapy for IUGR-related growth failure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 47 children evaluated before puberty for growth retardation due to IUGR.
- Data collection included final adult height measurements for boys and girls.
- Statistical comparison of achieved final height against patient-specific target heights.
Main Results:
- The study included 23 boys and 24 girls with IUGR.
- Boys achieved a mean final height of 161.9 cm (SD +/- 8.0 cm).
- Girls achieved a mean final height of 147.6 cm (SD +/- 7.2 cm).
- Both groups showed final heights significantly below their target heights (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Children with IUGR experience a significant reduction in adult height compared to their genetic potential.
- The observed height deficit underscores the need for effective interventions.
- Growth hormone therapy is a potential therapeutic option to improve final height in children with IUGR.
Abstract:
In a retrospective study of 47 children seen before puberty for growth retardation secondary to intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), 23 boys had a final height of 161.9 +/- 8.0 cm and 24 girls a final height of 147.6 +/- 7.2 cm, values that were significantly lower than the target heights of these patients (p < 0.001). This reduction in adult height indicates the possible usefulness of growth hormone therapy in children with IUGR.