Related Experiment Videos
Prednisone dose limitation of growth hormone treatment of steroid-induced growth failure
S A Rivkees1, M Danon, J Herrin
1Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston.
Insights
Recombinant growth hormone improved linear growth in most children with prednisone-induced growth failure. However, effectiveness depended on the prednisone dose, with higher doses inhibiting growth hormone benefits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Growth Hormone Therapy
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Growth failure is a concern in children treated with prednisone.
- Prednisone can negatively impact linear growth.
- Recombinant growth hormone (rGH) is a potential therapeutic option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of recombinant growth hormone in children with prednisone-induced growth failure.
- To determine the relationship between prednisone dosage and response to rGH therapy.
Main Methods:
- Seven children experiencing growth failure due to prednisone treatment were enrolled.
- Treatment involved administration of recombinant growth hormone.
- Linear growth rates were monitored before and during rGH therapy.
Main Results:
- Six out of seven children showed an increase in linear growth with rGH treatment.
- The response to rGH was dose-dependent.
- rGH was ineffective in increasing linear growth when prednisone dosage exceeded 0.35 mg/kg/day.
Conclusions:
- Recombinant growth hormone can be effective in improving linear growth in children with prednisone-induced growth failure.
- Prednisone dosage is a critical factor influencing rGH efficacy.
- Lower prednisone doses allow for a better response to rGH therapy.
Abstract:
Seven children with prednisone-induced growth failure were treated with recombinant growth hormone to improve linear growth. Six of seven patients had an increase in linear growth during therapy with recombinant growth hormone. The response to recombinant growth hormone was found to be related to the prednisone dose. When the prednisone dose was greater than 0.35 mg/kg per day, recombinant growth hormone did not increase the linear growth rate. At lower doses the response was inversely related to the amount of prednisone taken.