[Growth hormone treatment in younger than six years of age short children born small for gestational age].
BACKGROUND
Approximately 10% of children born small for gestational age (SGA) do not show spontaneous catch-up growth.


OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of 2 years growth hormone treatment in children younger than 6 years of age, born SGA.


METHODS
Fourteen patients, mean age 4.2 + or - 1.1 years were treated with growth hormone at 1.0 UI/kg/wk for two years.


RESULTS
Growth velocity increased from a mean + or - SD of 5.4 + or - 1.7 cm/yr to 9.8 + or - 1.50 cm/yr and 7.6 + or - 1.5 cm/yr during the first year and second year, respectively (p 0.00058). Serum IGF-I and its binding protein BP3 increased significantly throughout treatment. Basal glucose and insulin levels increased significantly during treatment, p= 0.0006 and p= 0.036, respectively, without significant changes in postprandial glucose or insulin levels. A mild change in insulin sensitivity was observed along treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Two years growth hormone treatment induced a significant growth acceleration in children born small for gestational age, allowing them to attain a normal height. No serious adverse events were reported.
Bergadá
Ignacio
I
Hospital de Niños Dr. R Gutiérrez. ibergada@cedie.org.ar
Blanco
Miguel
M
Keselman
Ana
A
Domené
Horacio M
HM
Bergadá
César
C
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies
D019382:Human Growth Hormone