Growth response relationship between growth hormone dose and short term growth in patients with Turner's syndrome

Abstract

Short stature is a common feature of Turner's syndrome. We studied the dose-response relationship between short term linear growth and GH dose using the lower leg-measuring device. Three doses of GH (0.05, 0.15, and 0.45 U/kg, three times weekly) were given sc for 1-month treatment periods. Lower leg growth rate increased significantly during treatment with the 0.15 and 0.45 U/kg doses [1.8 +/- 0.2 (+/- SEM) and 1.7 +/- 0.3 mm/4 weeks). The higher dose of 0.45 U/kg was no more effective than the 0.15 U/kg dose. Serum somatomedin-C levels increased after treatment with each of the three doses of GH, but did not differ in any of the three dosage groups. We conclude that 0.15 U/kg GH, three times weekly, stimulates short term growth in patients with Turner's syndrome. Longer term studies are required to determine if this increased growth rate is sustained.