Management of Short Stature: Use of Growth Hormone in GH-Deficient and non-GH-Deficient Conditions

Growth hormone (GH) is an important driver for somatic growth and increase in height in children. The development of recombinant human GH has greatly increased its availability, and hence the potential for its use and abuse. GH therapy should only be offered to patients with established and approved indications. Common pediatric indications for treatment include growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, small for gestational age, chronic renal insufficiency, and idiopathic short stature. Before initiating treatment, the family should be counseled about the treatment goals, costs, and possible adverse effects from the treatment. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations from the treatment. The dose of GH should be individualized for the indication and will require titration in each patient based on response to the treatment and the adverse effects. Overall, GH has a good safety record. However, GH treatment has many potential and real adverse effects that need to be considered and monitored during treatment. Recently, safety concerns regarding the long-term effect of GH therapy on cardiovascular morbidity have come under scrutiny.