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Pediatric Growth Hormone Therapy

Recombinant human growth hormone is the standard therapy for short stature due to growth hormone deficiency, Turner syndrome and small-for-gestational-age children.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Pediatric Growth Hormone Therapy?

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a paediatric endocrine disorder caused by impaired growth hormone secretion from the pituitary, leading to short stature.

Indications include classic GHD, Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, chronic kidney disease, idiopathic short stature, small-for-gestational-age (SGA) children and Noonan syndrome.

Recombinant growth hormone (rhGH) is administered by subcutaneous injection daily, mostly evening. Treatment continues until completion of growth (epiphyseal fusion).

Symptoms

Growth velocity below 4 cm/year
Height below the 3rd percentile
Bone age delayed compared to chronological age
Doll-like facies and abdominal fat increase (severe GHD)
Hypoglycaemia and prolonged jaundice in newborns
Delayed puberty
Disproportion in body proportions (Turner)

Risk Factors

Family history of growth hormone deficiency
Pituitary tumour history (craniopharyngioma)
Cranial radiotherapy
Septo-optic dysplasia
Severe head trauma
Genetic syndromes (Turner, Prader-Willi, Noonan)
Premature birth and small-for-gestational-age

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Paediatric endocrinology referral is needed for height growth less than 4 cm/year
  • Investigation required for height below the 3rd percentile
  • Decline in growth velocity over 1 year warrants evaluation
  • Consultation needed for short stature with delayed puberty

Treatment Methods

01
Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) subcutaneous daily injection
02
Dose: 0.025–0.05 mg/kg/day (titrated by indication)
03
Periodic IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and growth velocity monitoring
04
Annual bone age and height-weight follow-up
05
Treatment of accompanying hormone deficiencies (TSH, ACTH)
06
Long-acting GH analogues (somapacitan, weekly)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.