Aims-To assess the impact of treatment for embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma on sp
inal growth and limb length and examine the response of these parameters to
growth hormone (GH) treatment.
Methods-We conducted a retrospective case note review of 17 survivors of he
ad and neck rhabdomyosarcoma followed up at a single institution. All child
ren had been treated with chemotherapy and local radiotherapy. Growth veloc
ity, height, sitting height, and subischial limb length SDS scores were ana
lysed.
Results-Growth failure secondary to isolated GH deficiency (GHD) developed
in 7/17 patients. GHD occurred at a median (range) of 3.4 (1.3-9.9) years a
fter radiotherapy tumour doses of 46 (40-50) Gy. Growth velocity, height, a
nd subischial limb length SDS were significantly reduced in the GHD group a
nd improved with GH therapy.
Conclusions-GH treatment resulted in a significant improvement in sitting h
eight SDS. We discuss the unexpected improvement in spinal growth in surviv
ors with GHD.