Abstract
Growth velocity is markedly reduced in children with Down syndrome (DS) between 6 months and 3 years of age, but is almost normal after 3 years of age. Thus, the growth retardation becomes pronounced during the period when growth hormone (GH) starts to stimulate growth. We report the long term effects of GH-therapy in 16 children with DS. Treatment with Genotropin, 0.1 U/kg BW/day was started at a mean age of 7.4 (6-9) months. The results after 12 (n=16), 24 (n=14) and 30 (n=10) months are presented. The mean height standard deviation score (Swedish standard) before therapy was −1.8 and the mean head circumference was −1.2. After 12, 24 and 30 months the mean height SDS were −1.1, −0.9 and −0.9 and the mean head circumference SDS were −1.1, −1.1 and −1.2, respectively.
Conclusion: During GH-trealment the children with DS did not deviate further from the Swedish grosvth standard. As compared to growth charts for children with DS (Pediatrics 81:102, 1988) the mean height started at the 50th centile and reached the 90th centile after 24 months of treatment. The head circumference was not affected by the therapy.
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Gustafsson, J., Carlsson-Skwirut, C., Sara, V. et al. GROWTH HORMONE THERAPY OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME RESULTS IN NORMALIZED GROWTH VELOCITY. Pediatr Res 33 (Suppl 5), S61 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199305001-00349
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199305001-00349
