Growth Hormone Therapy in Short Statured: a Study Among Children with Classic Growth Hormone Deficiency

Abstract

Objective: To determine the mean increase in height in response to growth hormone therapy in short statured children presenting with classic growth hormone deficiency.

Study Design: Quasi experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the pediatric endocrine OPD, National Institute of Child Health Karachi from 1^st July 2013 to 31^st Dec 2013.

Materials and Methods: All patients between 4-15 years of age of either gender presented with height SDS <2 plotted on CDC growth chart having peak serum growth hormone levels <10ng/ml and bone age more than 2 years behind chronological age were enrolled. Mid parental height was calculated and TCR (Target centile range) was plotted. Those patients with GH level <10ng/ml was given biosynthetic GH (Genotropin and Eutropin) in a dose of 15 IU/m² 6 days a week s/c for 6 months. Bone age was noted at 0 and 6 months.

Results: Mean age of the patients was 9.73 ±2.66 years. There were 47 (52.2%) males and 43 (47.80%) females. Mean body surface area, bone age and chronological age of the patients was 0.76 ±0.18 m², 7.04 ±2.56 years and 9.73 ±2.66 years respectively. Mean post treatment increase in height from the baseline at 6 months was 8.79 ±
3.16 cm.

Conclusion: Significant increase in height in response to growth hormone therapy was noted in short statured children presenting with classic growth hormone deficiency.