CRANIOFACIAL AND DENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WITH GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY AND IDIOPATHIC SHORT STATURE. IS THE GH TREATMENT BENEFICIAL?

Children with short stature have similar craniofacial features, yet smaller in relation to age, regardless of the etiology of growth failure. Posterior rotation of the mandible, reduced dimensions of the jaws, a wide gonion angle and an increased lower facial height are the most frequently described characteristics. These anomalies may lead to malocclusion and crowding, and also to disturbances in tooth eruption. This review focuses on the craniofacial characteristics of children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and ISS (idiopathic short stature), as well as on the therapeutic effect of the growth hormone (GH) on the craniofacial complex and dental maturation. Most studies have shown that GH therapy will improve the facial profile, decreasing the characteristic convexity, but warn about a possible overgrowth of the mandible, with consequent undesirable long facial profile. GH treatment should be closely monitored by an endocrinologist, but also by an orthodontist who should carefully consider all these aspects.