Results of intermittent human growth hormone (HGH) therapy in hypopituitary dwarfism.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Eighteen children with hypopituitary dwarfism were treated with intermittent human growth hormone administered 4 times a year during 1 to 9 yr. Long-term studies showed that 5 of 7 children treated for 4 or more years doubled the pre-treatment growth rate. Although the mean growth increment for the first year (5.54 cm) was less than has been reported in a continuous therapy program, the mean growth increment per year did not significantly decrease until the fourth year. No conclusion about dose-response could be drawn in this study. Antibody titers were not elevated. The long-term growth in these children indicated that the increments were sustained, provided the children were in good health during the administration of the hormone and received 4 courses per year.