Study finds contrasting growth hormone therapy outcomes in patients with GHD and SGA
There are significant differences in the response to growth hormone therapy (GHT) between patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and those born small for gestational age (SGA), according to a study. Specifically, the study found that individuals with GHD showed greater increases in height after both short-term and long-term treatment compared to those with SGA.
The study involved 103 patients with GHD and 53 patients with SGA. Utilizing multi-variable linear regression models and adjusting for factors such as age, sex, and height at therapy initiation, the study aimed to provide insights into the efficacy of GHT in these populations.
The findings underscored notable variations in the response to GHT between the 2 patient cohorts. Specifically, the mean delta height standard deviation scores (SDS) after 1 year of treatment were markedly higher in individuals with GHD compared to those with SGA. This trend persisted throughout the duration of therapy, with patients with GHD exhibiting a significantly greater increase in height SDS at final height compared to SGA patients.
The study identified sex-specific differences in long-term outcomes, with girls diagnosed with GHD showing better responses than boys, and boys with SGA exhibiting more favorable outcomes compared to their female counterparts.
Of particular interest was the observation regarding the relationship between short-term and long-term outcomes. While a strong correlation was noted in patients with GHD, suggesting that short-term responses may predict long-term growth, no such association was evident among patients with SGA patients.
The study also highlighted the challenges in using a delta height of 0.5 SDS during the first year as a predictor of long-term response to GHT, citing its low sensitivity in identifying non-responders.
Reference
Gleiss A, Raimann A, Haufler F, et al. Growth hormone therapy: Comparison of short- and long-term outcomes between children with Growth Hormone Deficiency and Small for Gestational Age. Horm Res Paediatr. 2024;doi: 10.1159/000538798. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38636488.
