A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 16 studies with a total of 809 subjects. Treatment with human growth hormone (28 IU/m2 /wk) resulted in a significant increase in height standard deviation score (HSDS) at one year (MD 0.82, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.07; 8 studies, n=391), and a significant increase in height velocity at six months (MD 2.85 cm/6 mo, 95%CI 2.22 to 3.48; 2 studies, n=27) and one year (MD 3.88 cm/y, 95%CI 3.32 to 4.44; 7 studies, n=287). Height velocity, though reduced, remained significantly greater than untreated children during the second year of therapy (MD 2.30 cm/y, 95% CI 1.39 to 3.21; 1 study, n= 82). Compared to the 14 IU/m²/wk group, there was a 1.18 cm/y (0.52 to 1.84; 3 studies, n=150) increase in height velocity in the 28 IU/m²/wk group. The frequency of reported side effects of rhGH were similar to that of the control group.
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by study limitations (unclear allocation concealment and blinding).
Primary/Secondary Keywords