Growth hormone therapy update in Thailand

There were 841 children in Thailand with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) from January 1992 to 1996. Idiopathic isolated GHD was the major diagnosis. Only 40.19% received recombinant DNA human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment. Also reported here is a 1-2 year study of rhGH therapy in 30 GH-deficient children (21 males, 9 females), aged (mean +/- SD) 10.41 +/- 3.16 years, and bone age 7.37 +/- 3.34 years. The height velocity 1 and 2 years posttreatment were 8.17 +/- 1.9 and 7.36 +/- 2.8 cm/year respectively, which were statistically significant compared to pretreatment values of 3.91 +/- 1.09 cm/year. Improved height SDS was observed at the end of each treatment period. Thyroid function and glycosylated hemoglobin tests were normal during the treatment period. There were no reports of side effects.