Optimal use of growth hormone therapy for maximizing adult height in children born small for gestational age.
Growth retardation is a well-known complication of being born small for gestational age (SGA). Approximately 10% of children born SGA do not experience postnatal catch-up growth and are at risk for short adult height. The use of growth hormone (GH) therapy in these short children appears to increase their adult height, but modalities of GH administration remain controversial. Numerous therapeutic strategies have been developed to optimize the efficacy of GH treatment. Data concerning the influence of age at start of GH treatment, duration of GH treatment, GH dosage and method of GH administration on height gain and adult height are reported in this chapter. Longitudinal studies addressing the safety of GH treatment in SGA children are reassuring, but long-term follow-up remains necessary. Recommendations on the management of SGA children during GH treatment are given.
Simon
Dominique
D
Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, and INSERM U690, Hôpital Robert Debré and University Paris, 7 Denis Diderot, 75019 Paris, France. dominique.simon@rdb.aphp.fr
Léger
Juliane
J
Carel
Jean-Claude
JC
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007236:Infant, Small for Gestational Age / Q000254:growth & development*; D011627:Puberty / Q000187:drug effects
D019382:Human Growth Hormone