GH Treatment in Children of Normal Height

Abstract

The increased availability of recombinant human GH (rhGH), albeit at a relatively high cost, has increased a demand for treatment of children and adolescents of normal height to increase their adult stature. There are no scientific reports on the efficacy and safety of rhGH therapy in this condition; therefore, the authors comment on the possible causes and consequences based on their personal opinion and experience. As in gigantism, when GH action and end-organ are normal, enough GH is expected to result in increased growth velocity. Short-term adverse effects related to rhGH therapy for approved indications of short stature in children have been very rare. Data on long-term adverse effects are still scarce. A small increase in height might be statistically significant but not functionally or socially relevant. Considering that an increase in height represents more a desire than a need, physicians should emphasize the normality and qualities of these children, discuss with families the alternatives, such as counseling, and refrain from supporting the concept that taller is better.

Keywords: growth hormone; height; short stature; treatment.