Abstract

The advent of recombinant DNA technology has opened a new frontier in the treatment of growth disorders in pediatric endocrinology. Sufficient quantities of growth hormone (GH) are now available, not only for the long-term treatment of GH-deficient children but potentially for the treatment of non-GH-deficient patients with other disorders of short stature. This article reviews recent developments in the use of growth hormone for non-classic indications of GH therapy. Short-term studies have demonstrated an improvement in the growth rates of subjects with isolated short stature, Turner syndrome and chronic renal failure. However, the long-term efficacy and possible adverse effects of GH treatment is not yet known. Until more experience accumulates, GH-deficiency should remain the primary indication for growth hormone treatment.