Growth hormone treatment strategy for short children born small for gestational age

Several studies performed in the last 15 years have shown that growth hormone (GH) induces a profound catch-up in height in short children born small for gestational age (SGA). We know from more recent studies that final height can be normalized through GH treatment. In Europe, GH is now a recognized indication, enabling treatment of short children born SGA. Treatment is given to the most severe growth-retarded children after the age of 4 years. A dose of 0.035 mg/kg per day is recommended. However, in our opinion a higher dose would be more efficient in very short children, especially if they are treated later in childhood. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.