Boosting the Late-Blooming Boy

CONTEXT: The indications for use of growth hormone (GH) have broadened with the availability of unlimited recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). The FDA's approval for use of growth hormone in GH-sufficient patients with idiopathic short stature includes some children with constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CGD), a normal growth pattern variation which includes delayed puberty and prolonged linear growth, usually leading to normal adult height. Use of rhGH to increase growth in short-statured children with CGD has been challenged for its modest efficacy in increasing ultimate height, high cost, limited evidence for psychosocial benefit, and some unresolved concerns about long-term post-treatment safety. An additional controversy for the young athlete with CGD is the concern for fairness in competition. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Data sources were limited to peer-reviewed publications. RESULTS: RhGH is a safe and effective therapy for increasing growth rate in very short children with CGD, but does not markedly increase ultimate stature nor confer a clear benefit in athletic performance. (SORT A) CONCLUSIONS: Prescribing physicians should use rhGH treatment responsibly to bring children disabled by short stature just into the "normal" range. (SORT C).