title: rhGH treatment in corticosteroid-treated patients.
abstract: Children and adolescents treated for chronic diseases have non-specific metabolic abnormalities that lead to decreased growth velocity and abnormal body composition, including severe osteoporosis, muscle wasting and increased fat mass. Glucocorticoid (GC) therapy plays a major role in the complex pathogenesis of these metabolic abnormalities. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy was introduced a few years ago to reduce the severe disease- and GC-related metabolic consequences of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, other chronic diseases, and renal transplantation. Short- and mid-term rhGH treatment has consistently proved effective in overcoming GC-induced growth suppression, with a marked interindividual variability in the growth response to rhGH treatment. Safety of rhGH treatment, concerning the progression of the disease and glucose tolerance, was good. Prolonged follow-up until achievement of adult height is needed to better evaluate the impact of rhGH treatment on growth and body composition and the long-term consequences of hyperinsulinism.
authors.affiliation: Service d'Endocrinologie et de Diabétologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Robert Debré, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France. dominique.simon@rdb.aphp.fr
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Simon
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D019382:Human Growth Hormone