Growth hormone treatment strategy for short children born small for gestational age.
Several studies performed in the last 15 years have shown that growth hormone (GH) induces a profound catch-up in height in short children born small for gestational age (SGA). We know from more recent studies that final height can be normalized through GH treatment. In Europe, GH is now a recognized indication, enabling treatment of short children born SGA. Treatment is given to the most severe growth-retarded children after the age of 4 years. A dose of 0.035 mg/kg per day is recommended. However, in our opinion a higher dose would be more efficient in very short children, especially if they are treated later in childhood.
Czernichow
Paul
P
Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France. paul.czernichow@rdb.ap-hop-paris.fr
D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age / Q000254:growth & development*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D019382:Human Growth Hormone