DIFFERENTIAL GROWTH AND MATURATION IN IDIOPATHIC GROWTH-HORMONE-DEFICIENT CHILDREN

This study describes and compares the growth and maturation of idiopat hic growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) and evaluates the potential effec ts of growth hormone therapy. The sample includes 40 idiopathic growth -hormone-deficient children grouped according to duration of growth ho rmone replacement therapy. Somatic and craniofacial development, skele tal maturation and dental maturation were evaluated and compared. The results showed consistent delays in the maturity indices for IGHD chil dren. Height age displayed the greatest delay (3 years) followed by sk eletal age (2.2 years) and dental age (0.8 years). Overall craniofacia l growth deficiencies were also demonstrated. Anterior cranial base an d mandibular length were most affected; posterior cranial base length and facial heights were least affected. Analysis of covariance, contro lling for the starting age of therapy, showed significant differences between children grouped according to duration of growth hormone thera py. Catch-up growth with hormonal therapy was established for height, facial height, skeletal age and posterior cranial base length. It was concluded that the various craniofacial skeletal components have diffe rent potentials for growth retardation with IGHD; catch-up growth foll owing growth hormone replacement therapy was greatest for the componen ts with the greatest initial (or baseline) growth potential.