VOLITIONAL ADJUNCTIVE THERAPY FOR THE SHORT BOY

Abstract

Short boys, referred without pathologic etiology but with social maladjustment present or anticipated, were offered a choice of ameliorative therapy. 168 boys, over a period of more than 15 years, ranging in age from less than 10 to 16 were originally referred; 37 were seen twice or less and 23 were less than 11 years old, leaving 108. Of the 108, 35 chose no treatment; 6 grew well enough to cross growth lines and 29 continued to grow within growth lines. 58 of the treated boys received only testosterone enanthate at 50 mg/month or less, considered to be less than the dose that would induce pubescence. 30 of the 58 crossed growth lines; 28 did not. A total of 72 boys were treated with combined therapies, receiving cyproheptadine (CY), clonidine (CL), fluoxymesterone (FL) and oxandrolone, singly or in combination with testosterone (TT). About 1/2 of this group also crossed growth lines. Neuroseeretory growth hormone dysfunction was not absolutely ruled oui in either group although none was truly growth hormone deficient. The results of such choice therapy with testosterone in low dose for the treatment of delayed (or anticipated delayed) adolescence and short stature in boys, may recommend its selected use.

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