Linear growth in hypopituitary patients treated with hGH after age fifteen.

Two groups of hHG deficient adolescents (isolated growth hormone deficiency: 11 patients and multiple pituitary hormone deficiency: 20 patients) receiving hGH therapy were analyzed for their linear growth response. It was found that even at a chronological age of 15 years or more, growth can be markedly enhanced, depending upon the bone age and pubertal stage in the IGHD patients and upon optimal balance between hGH and sex hormones in the MPHD patients.