Growth hormone deficiency in two children with cerebral palsy.

The authors describe two children with cerebral palsy and linear growth failure secondary to growth hormone deficiency. One of the children was successfully treated with growth hormone replacement therapy. His linear growth velocity increased from 3cm/year before therapy to 8.3 cm/year during the first two years of therapy. Potential complications such as worsening orthopedic status did not occur. Psychosocial benefits were noted. The authors conclude that growth hormone deficiency may play a role in linear growth failure in some children with cerebral palsy and that some of these children may benefit from growth hormone therapy.