Slipped capital femoral epiphysis as a complication of growth hormone therapy.
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a rare complication of growth hormone (GH) therapy. Here, we report three patients who developed SCFE during GH therapy. The first two patients had hypopituitarism and had started GH therapy at the age of 15 years 6 months and 13 years 9 months, respectively. SCFE developed 4 years and 1 year after GH therapy, respectively. The third patient had Prader-Willi syndrome with obesity and hypogonadism and began GH therapy at the age of 12 years and 11 months. SCFE developed 2 months after starting GH therapy. Pain over the hip joints or over the knees is an early sign of SCFE. Despite recommendation, none of the three patients continued GH therapy. A high index of suspicion during GH therapy in patients at high risk of SCFE is important for early diagnosis and appropriate management.
Wang
Shuo-Yu
SY
Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
Tung
Yi-Ching
YC
Tsai
Wen-Yu
WY
Chien
Yin-Hsiu
YH
Lee
Jing-Sheng
JS
Hwu
Wuh-Liang
WL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004839:Epiphyses, Slipped / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005270:Femur Head; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D013006:Growth Hormone