Non-conventional use of growth hormone therapy

Acta Paediatr Suppl. 2006 Jul;95(452):9-13. doi: 10.1080/08035320600649432.

Abstract

Human growth hormone therapy is allowed in certain clinical conditions according to national healthcare criteria. Growth hormone, however, produces a wide spectrum of effects. Linear growth is only one of the many expected results, and there are interesting possibilities to explore which could provide additional means of improving the quality of life for the ever-increasing numbers of chronic paediatric patients.

Conclusion: In this review, we discuss the rationale for and possibility of using growth hormone therapy in some conditions not strictly related to growth hormone deficiency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Achondroplasia / drug therapy
  • Achondroplasia / physiopathology
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / drug therapy
  • Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital / physiopathology
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / physiopathology
  • Body Height* / drug effects
  • Bone and Bones / drug effects*
  • Burns / drug therapy
  • Burns / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Cystic Fibrosis / drug therapy
  • Cystic Fibrosis / physiopathology
  • Gestational Age
  • Growth Disorders / drug therapy
  • Growth Hormone / pharmacology
  • Growth Hormone / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Small for Gestational Age
  • Short Bowel Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Short Bowel Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Wound Healing / drug effects

Substances

  • Growth Hormone