[Growth hormone treatment in younger than six years of age short children born small for gestational age].

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 10% of children born small for gestational age (SGA) do not show spontaneous catch-up growth.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of 2 years growth hormone treatment in children younger than 6 years of age, born SGA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fourteen patients, mean age 4.2 + or - 1.1 years were treated with growth hormone at 1.0 UI/kg/wk for two years.

RESULTS

Growth velocity increased from a mean + or - SD of 5.4 + or - 1.7 cm/yr to 9.8 + or - 1.50 cm/yr and 7.6 + or - 1.5 cm/yr during the first year and second year, respectively (p 0.00058). Serum IGF-I and its binding protein BP3 increased significantly throughout treatment. Basal glucose and insulin levels increased significantly during treatment, p= 0.0006 and p= 0.036, respectively, without significant changes in postprandial glucose or insulin levels. A mild change in insulin sensitivity was observed along treatment.

CONCLUSION

Two years growth hormone treatment induced a significant growth acceleration in children born small for gestational age, allowing them to attain a normal height. No serious adverse events were reported.