title: Complications of growth hormone therapy in children.
abstract: The introduction of human growth hormone (GH) prepared by recombinant DNA technology has resulted in increased numbers of children and adults receiving treatment. This trend has led to questions concerning the safety of GH, particularly when used for indications other than GH deficiency. This review discusses the effects of GH on fluid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism; the risk of intracranial hypertension or pseudotumor cerebri; the effects on the skeletal system; the risk of malignancy; and the effects on the immune system. At present, GH treatment appears to be safe, although long-term follow-up of GH-treated patients is necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York at Stony Brook 11794-8111, USA.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Blethen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000503:physiopathology; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000139:chemically induced; D009506:Nevus / Q000139:chemically induced; D011559:Pseudotumor Cerebri / Q000139:chemically induced; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D014424:Turner Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013006:Growth Hormone