growth hormone therapy benefits
Monitoring response to growth hormone therapy
Response to growth hormone therapy should be monitored every 3 months, so that the dosage can be optimized accordingly. This should be done for a year to take into account the time it takes to see a response to dose adjustment as well as seasonal variations in growth velocity. Children usually grow faster in summer, probably because they have more exercise and sleep.
Growth rate during the first year of growth hormone therapy is the best predictor of response. If first-year growth velocity is suboptimal despite use of an optimal dose, I would consider treatment discontinuation. These patients may have underlying problems that clinicians should investigate further.”
Compliance to growth hormone therapy
is very important to assure optimal results. Parents need to ensure that the correct dose is being administered and that spillage does not occur. The mode of injection and dosing plays an important role on the outcomes.
Auto-injection devices are easy and comfortable to use and may improve adherence to therapy. Good adherence leads to optimal efficacy and allows children to reach their height potential. [BMC Endocrine Disorders 2011;11:4]
Growth hormone therapy side effects
The safety data available on idiopathic short stature (ISS) patients treated with growth hormone are good, with mild transient increases in fasting glucose that remained within the normal range. Growth Hormone did not increase bone age acceleration or the tempo of pubertal development. [Clin Endocrinol Metab 2005;90:5188-5196]
Conclusion
Most of the time, Growth hormone therapy is tailor-made to address the individual need of the child.
Although there are no universally accepted biochemical criteria for determining when to initiate growth hormone therapy for children with ISS, the initial response to therapy and dose of growth hormone may contribute to the success of therapy and play a significant role to maximize adult height. [Horm Res 2009;71:70-74]
The information provided on this website are for educational purposes only. Please consult your physicians before considering treatment or for detailed medical advice.