Growth hormone and treatment outcomes: expert review of current clinical practice

Pediatr Endocrinol Rev. 2011 Dec;9(2):554-65.

Abstract

Although there are guidelines for treatment of short stature, open questions regarding optimal management of growth hormone therapy still exist. Experts attending six international meetings agree that successful therapy results in the patient attaining mid-parental height, and relies on correct diagnosis and early intervention. Experts advocate patient followup every 3-6 months, and that growth and adherence should be monitored at each visit. Growth response is variable, and an accepted definition of good/poor response is lacking. Combined with patient education and regular patient follow-up, a definition of treatment response could lead to improved treatment outcomes. Few experts use prediction models in clinical practice, but all agree that pharmacogenetics might improve prediction, enable early therapy modulation, and promote growth. Poor growth is often due to low adherence. Guidance on optimal management of growth hormone therapy is required, with focus on early diagnosis, dosing, treatment monitoring, adherence, and motivation.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Expert Testimony
  • Growth Disorders / diagnosis
  • Growth Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Growth and Development / drug effects
  • Human Growth Hormone / adverse effects
  • Human Growth Hormone / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Patient Compliance / statistics & numerical data
  • Professional Practice / statistics & numerical data
  • Professional Practice / trends
  • Prognosis
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Human Growth Hormone