CURRENT DOSING OF GROWTH-HORMONE IN CHILDREN WITH GROWTH-HORMONE DEFICIENCY - HOW PHYSIOLOGICAL

The current doses of recombinant growth hormone (rGH) are two to three times those used in the pituitary growth hormone era. These rGH doses (0.025 to 0.043 mg/kg/d) are similar to or moderately greater than th e physiologic requirements. Growth velocity and height gains have been shown to be greater with 0.05 mg/kg/d of rGH than with 0.025 mg/kg/d. Larger doses of GH and early initiation of treatment result in greate r heights at the onset of puberty and greater adult heights. Earlier o nset of puberty and more rapid maturation, as indicated by bone age, w ere not observed in children who were given 0.18 to 0.3 mg/kg/wk of rG H. The frequency of adverse events is very low, but diligent surveilla nce of all children who are treated with rGH is essential.