title: Recent updates on recombinant human growth hormone outcomes and adverse events.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide up-to-date information on outcomes and adverse events associated with the use of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). We will focus on patients with Prader Willi Syndrome and Idiopathic Short Stature. We will also discuss recent reports on long-term adverse events from the European database.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prader Willi Syndrome is associated with hypogonadism, which does not appear to be affected by treatment with rhGH. However, there is new evidence that treatment may improve cognition. For patients with Idiopathic Short Stature, the gain in near adult height with treatment with rhGH appears to be 3-4 cm. Although a recent analysis of this group shows that certain patient characteristics may help identify those most likely to have a good response to treatment. Additionally, the safety and appropriateness of growth hormone treatments in Europe study released preliminary data from patients treated in two separate locations that showed conflicting information on risk of mortality from treatment with rhGH.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although we will continue to receive new information regarding the safety and effects of treatment with rhGH, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with our patients. Additionally, it is incumbent on us to help guide the treatment to those most likely to benefit.
authors.affiliation: Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Indianapolis, USA. sarawats@iupui.edu
authors.forename: Sara E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: Alan D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Rogol
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004392:Dwarfism / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D011218:Prader-Willi Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D011379:Prognosis; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D044465:White People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D019382:Human Growth Hormone