The effect of growth hormone therapy on craniofacial growth and dental maturity in children with Down syndrome

Craniofacial growth was evaluated 3 years after termination of growth hormo ne (GH) therapy in ten Down syndrome (DS) children. The control group consi sted of 16 age-matched children with DS. The treatment started at 6-9 month s of age, and the duration was 36 months. There were no statistically signi ficant differences in craniofacial development between DS children treated with GH or DS children not treated. In conclusion, the results of this stud y indicate that GH therapy for 36 months in children with DS did not change the craniofacial morphology compared to a group of DS children not given G H.