Studies of GH-treated patients have suggested that the degree of GH deficiency may not predict the magnitude of growth response to therapy. These data are primarily from large registries and may have obscured the presence of other diagnoses that can influence growth velocity (GV). We hypothesized that, in accurately diagnosed GH-deficient patients, annual GV would correlate negatively with peak stimulated GH.

Methods: By retrospective chart review, 20 patients were selected, as follows: 1) peak GH by polyclonal RIA < 5 ng/dL (Classic GHD), peak GH of 7-10 ng/dL (Partial GHD), peak GH > 10 ng/dL (Normal); 2) treated for at least 3 years prior to pubertal growth spurt; and 3) no confounding medications, diagnoses, or genetic syndromes. Age of start of GH therapy was oldest in Classic GHD (9.2 ±2.5) and youngest in Normal GH (4.3±1.9). Growth hormone treatment was 0.3 mg/kg/wk divided into 6 doses per week for all patients. Children with classic GHD appear to exhibit higher GV in the first years of GH therapy and increased total 3-year growth compared to children with normal peak GH. Table

Table 1 No caption available.
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