Why the study?
Does growth hormone treatment increase ultimate height in children with idiopathic short stature?
Population
Children and adolescents with idiopathic short stature
Comparison
Growth hormone (GH) treatment vs Placebo or historical controls
Design
Editorial
Key result
Growth hormone treatment for 4.4 years in children with idiopathic short stature increased ultimate height by a mean of 3.7 cm, but raises concerns regarding long-term risks and costs.
Authors
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Does not support routine use in idiopathic short stature; leaves open long-term safety and cost-effectiveness questions.
Does growth hormone treatment increase ultimate height in children with idiopathic short stature?
Mean Difference: 3.7
The editorial argues that while GH treatment slightly increases final height in idiopathic short stature, the modest benefit (approx. 1.5 inches) may not justify the high costs and potential long-term metabolic risks.
Michael Freemark (2004) conducted an editorial in Idiopathic short stature. Growth Hormone vs. Placebo was evaluated on Ultimate height (MD 3.7 cm). Growth hormone treatment for 4.4 years in children with idiopathic short stature increased ultimate height by a mean of 3.7 cm, but raises concerns regarding long-term risks and costs.