Growth hormone treatment of short children born small for gestational age.

Abstract

The administration of growth hormone (GH) for a short period to short children born small for gestational age increases growth velocity. Children receiving 2-3 times the replacement dose gained nearly 2.0 SDS in height over a 3-year treatment period. This treatment is well tolerated, without significant side-effects. Further studies of the growth rate following cessation of GH treatment will reveal whether the gain in height is maintained, and whether the final height prediction is improved.