Effects of insulin‐like growth factor I treatment on statural growth, body composition and phenotype of children with growth hormone insentivity syndrome

Underwood LE, Backelijau P, Duncan V, and the GHIS Collaborative Group. Effects of insulinlike growth factor I treatment on statural growth, body composition and phenotype of children with growth hormone insensitivity syndrome. Acta Paediatr 1999; Suppl 428:182‐4. Stockholm. ISSN 0803‐5326 Eight children with growth hormone insensitivity syndrome (GHIS) have been treated with injections of recombinant human insulin‐like growth factor I (rh1GF‐I) for more than 5 years each. After good acceleration of growth in the first year of therapy, the growth rade decreased to an average of 5‐6 cm/year. In general, growth with IGF‐I therapy is less exuberant than that observed with growth hormone (GH) therapy in GH‐deficient children. IGF is well tolerated, though there may be overgrowth of the lymphoid tissues and the kidneys. Bone mineral density is improved by treatment. The benefits of therapy appear to exceed the risks. □ Growth hormone insensitivity syndrome, insulin‐like growth factor I therapy, Laron syndrome