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Kamoun C, Largent EA, Grimberg A. Heightism, growth hormone treatment, and social functioning: a holistic approach to a persistent clinical challenge. Curr Opin Pediatr 2024; 36:442-448. [PMID: 38747208 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Use of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment to increase height in children with non-growth hormone deficient short stature is becoming more common. Yet, the evidence to support the notion that augmenting height directly leads to increased well being, specifically psychosocial well being, is inconsistent, with high-quality evidence lacking. RECENT FINDINGS Review of recent studies demonstrates that the association between height augmentation and psychosocial well being is complex. The direct contribution of height to well being may be less than the current model of clinical care of short stature assumes. Rather, the new studies provide evidence to support a role for psychosocial factors, including height-related beliefs, social support, and coping skills, in promoting psychosocial well being, specifically quality of life and self-esteem. SUMMARY Clinical care of short stature would benefit from incorporating a holistic model of care that considers psychosocial interventions in addition to, or instead of, rhGH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilia Kamoun
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Emily A Largent
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania
| | - Adda Grimberg
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Tidblad A, Sävendahl L. Childhood growth hormone treatment: challenges, opportunities, and considerations. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2024; 8:600-610. [PMID: 38945136 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(24)00127-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
With long standing demand and popularity, growth hormone treatments continue to be a topic of interest for paediatric endocrinologists and general paediatricians due to ongoing issues regarding their long-term effects, the safety of childhood treatment, and the introduction of long-acting growth hormone preparations in the past decade. Moreover, uncertainty regarding how to approach individual patients and their treatment indications remains, particularly concerning tailored treatment goals and objectives; this uncertainty is further complicated by the multitude of approved indications that surpass substitution therapy. The paediatric endocrinologist thus grapples with pertinent questions, such as what defines reasonable treatment goals for each individual given their indications, and when (and how) to initiate the necessary discussions about risks and benefits with patients and their families. The aim of this Review is to offer advanced physiological concepts of growth hormone function, map out approved paediatric indications for treatment along with evidence on their effects and safety, highlight controversies and complexities surrounding childhood growth hormone treatment, and discuss the potential of long-acting growth hormone and future directions in the realm of childhood growth hormone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Tidblad
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lars Sävendahl
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Smyczyńska J, Hilczer M, Smyczyńska U, Lewiński A, Stawerska R. Transient Isolated, Idiopathic Growth Hormone Deficiency-A Self-Limiting Pediatric Disease with Male Predominance or a Diagnosis Based on Uncertain Criteria? Lesson from 20 Years' Real-World Experience with Retesting at One Center. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5739. [PMID: 38891927 PMCID: PMC11171613 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In the majority of children with growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD), normal GH secretion may occur before the attainment of final height. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of persistent and transient GHD and the effectiveness of recombined human GH (rhGH) therapy in children with isolated, idiopathic GHD with respect to the moment of therapy withdrawal and according to different diagnostic criteria of GHD. The analysis included 260 patients (173 boys, 87 girls) with isolated, idiopathic GHD who had completed rhGH therapy and who had been reassessed for GH and IGF-1 secretion. The incidence of transient GHD with respect to different pre- and post-treatment criteria was compared together with the assessment of GH therapy effectiveness. The incidence of transient GHD, even with respect to pediatric criteria, was very high. Normal GH secretion occurred before the attainment of near-final height. Application of more restricted criteria decreased the number of children diagnosed with GHD but not the incidence of transient GHD among them. Poor response to GH therapy was observed mainly in the patients with normal IGF-1 before treatment, suggesting that their diagnosis of GHD may have been a false positive. Further efforts should be made to avoid the overdiagnosis GHD and the overtreatment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Smyczyńska
- Department of Pediatrics, Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Maciej Hilczer
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital–Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (M.H.); (A.L.); (R.S.)
| | - Urszula Smyczyńska
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Lewiński
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital–Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (M.H.); (A.L.); (R.S.)
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Renata Stawerska
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital–Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (M.H.); (A.L.); (R.S.)
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
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Grimberg A, Hawkes CP. Growth Hormone Treatment for Non-GHD Disorders: Excitement Tempered by Biology. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e442-e454. [PMID: 37450564 PMCID: PMC10795916 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The success of growth hormone (GH) replacement in children with classical GH deficiency has led to excitement that other causes of short stature may benefit similarly. However, clinical experience has shown less consistent and generally less dramatic effects on adult height, perhaps not surprising in light of increased understanding of GH and growth plate biology. Nonetheless, clinical demand for GH treatment continues to grow. Upon the 20th anniversary of the US Food and Drug Administration's approval of GH treatment for idiopathic short stature, this review will consider the factors underlying the expansion of GH treatment, the biological mechanisms of GH action, the non-GH-deficient uses of GH as a height-promoting agent, biological constraints to GH action, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adda Grimberg
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Colin P Hawkes
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork T12 DC4A, Ireland
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork T12 R229, Ireland
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Allen DB. Addressing Short Stature is Still a Tall Order. J Pediatr 2023; 262:113659. [PMID: 37543284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David B Allen
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin.
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Elkina SM, Halvadzhiyan IB, Popova GT, Avdjieva-Tzavella DM, Stefanova E, Kaleva NN, Stoeva IH, Petrova CK, Iotova VM. First results of the growth disorders related twinning programme Partners4Growth implemented at the tertiary university pediatric endocrinology clinics in Bulgaria. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2023; 36:832-841. [PMID: 37522427 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2022-0584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Early diagnosis of childhood growth disorders, their timely and proper treatment are important for better outcomes.The aim of the present study was to assess the results of the first 18 months of the growth disorders related twinning programme "Partners4Growth" implemented at all tertiary university pediatric endocrinology clinics in Bulgaria. METHODS In 2019, Partners4Growth started operation at 7 centres (4 experienced and 3 twin centres) with the main aim of aligning their practices in the shortest possible time. Education of twin centres' personnel was organized, equipment and methods for growth evaluation and follow-up were standardized. The approach was tested initially at one centre. At baseline and at the 18th month a questionnaire concerning diagnosis and management of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) requiring disorders was applied. RESULTS A total of 104 new patients were diagnosed compared to 30 in the previous year. Of those, 91 started rhGH treatment - 65 (64 %) GH deficient, 12 (12 %) Turner syndrome, 7 (7 %) Prader-Willi syndrome patients, and 7 (7 %) born small for gestational age without postnatal catch-up, representing 35.8 % of all currently rhGH treated Bulgarian children. A better geographical coverage and more advanced diagnostic and management practices were achieved. CONCLUSIONS Partners4Growth facilitated the alignment of the tertiary pediatric endocrinology centres competences thus leading to an improved diagnosis and treatment of growth disorders as well as better patients' access. For its short existence, the Programme increased significantly the number of new patients in the difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic thus justifying its continuation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Galina Ts Popova
- Clinic of Pediatrics, Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | | | - Nartzis N Kaleva
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Medical University - Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Iva H Stoeva
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University - Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Chayka K Petrova
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University - Pleven, Pleven, Bulgaria
| | - Violeta M Iotova
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University - Varna, Varna, Bulgaria
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Allen DB. Reply to Letter: Ways to Improve the Diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency. Horm Res Paediatr 2022; 95:97-98. [PMID: 35367981 DOI: 10.1159/000523772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David B Allen
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Yau M, Rapaport R. Growth Hormone Stimulation Testing: To Test or Not to Test? That Is One of the Questions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:902364. [PMID: 35757429 PMCID: PMC9218712 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.902364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The evaluation of children with short stature includes monitoring over a prolonged period to establish a growth pattern as well as the exclusion of chronic medical conditions that affect growth. After a period of monitoring, evaluation, and screening, growth hormone stimulation testing is considered when the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is entertained. Though flawed, growth hormone stimulation tests remain part of the comprehensive evaluation of growth and are essential for the diagnosis of growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Variables including testing length, growth hormone assay and diagnostic cut off affect results. Beyond the intrinsic issues of testing, results of GH stimulation testing can be influenced by patient characteristics. Various factors including age, gender, puberty, nutritional status and body weight modulate the secretion of GH.
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Plachy L, Amaratunga SA, Dusatkova P, Maratova K, Neuman V, Petruzelkova L, Zemkova D, Obermannova B, Snajderova M, Kolouskova S, Sumnik Z, Lebl J, Pruhova S. Isolated growth hormone deficiency in children with vertically transmitted short stature: What do the genes tell us? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1102968. [PMID: 36714562 PMCID: PMC9880029 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1102968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The growth hormone deficiency (GHD) diagnosis is controversial especially due to low specificity of growth hormone (GH) stimulation tests. It is therefore believed that children diagnosed with GHD form a heterogeneous group with growth disorder frequently independent on GH function. No study evaluating the complex etiology of growth failure in children with diagnosed GHD has been performed thus far. AIMS To discover genetic etiology of short stature in children with diagnosed GHD from families with short stature. METHODS Fifty-two children diagnosed with primary GHD and vertically transmitted short stature (height SDS in the child and his/her shorter parent <-2 SD) were included to our study. The GHD diagnosis was based on growth data suggestive of GHD, absence of substantial disproportionality (sitting height to total height ratio <-2 SD or >+2 SD), IGF-1 levels <0 for age and sex specific SD and peak GH concentration <10 ug/L in two stimulation tests. All children were examined using next-generation sequencing methods, and the genetic variants were subsequently evaluated by American College of Medical Genetics standards and guidelines. RESULTS The age of children at enrollment into the study was 11 years (median, IQR 9-14 years), their height prior to GH treatment was -3.0 SD (-3.6 to -2.8 SD), IGF-1 concentration -1.4 SD (-2.0 to -1.1 SD), and maximal stimulated GH 6.3 ug/L (4.8-7.6 ug/L). No child had multiple pituitary hormone deficiency or a midbrain region pathology. Causative variant in a gene that affects growth was discovered in 15/52 (29%) children. Of them, only 2 (13%) had a genetic variant affecting GH secretion or function (GHSR and OTX2). Interestingly, in 10 (67%) children we discovered a primary growth plate disorder (ACAN, COL1A2, COL11A1, COL2A1, EXT2, FGFR3, NF1, NPR2, PTPN11 [2x]), in one (7%) a genetic variant impairing IGF-1 action (IGFALS) and in two (12%) a variant in miscellaneous genes (SALL4, MBTPS2). CONCLUSIONS In children with vertically transmitted short stature, genetic results frequently did not correspond with the clinical diagnosis of GH deficiency. These results underline the doubtful reliability of methods standardly used to diagnose GH deficiency.
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