Effects of insulin-like growth factor I treatment on statural growth, body composition and phenotype of children with growth hormone insensitivity syndrome. GHIS Collaborative Group.

Eight children with growth hormone insensitivity syndrome (GHIS) have been treated with injections of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (rhIGF-I) for more than 5 years each. After good acceleration of growth in the first year of therapy, the growth rate decreased to an average of 5-6 cm/year. In general, growth with IGF-I therapy is less exuberant than that observed with growth hormone (GH) therapy in GH-deficient children. IGF is well tolerated, though there may be overgrowth of the lymphoid tissues and the kidneys. Bone mineral density is improved by treatment. The benefits of therapy appear to exceed the risks.