Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Analogue Therapy in Children with Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency: Final Height Benefit from Postponing Puberty?

Abstract

Although growth hormone (GH) treatment has improved final height prognosis in children with GH deficiency (GHD), adult heights are still disappointing. Final height could be improved by increasing the duration of puberty and in this way increasing total pubertal height gain. Many studies have been published on the effect of gonadal suppression, mostly by gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues, on final height in children with GHD. Because of the different methodologies used in these studies, results are difficult to compare. Both positive and marginal effects on final height have been reported; however, patient numbers are limited. Children with GHD who start puberty at a relatively young age and who have a poor predicted adult height, can benefit from the addition of GnRH analogues. From previous studies, we might conclude that when there is a positive effect, height benefit is marginal. However, additional prospective, randomized controlled trials are needed to further elucidate whether delaying puberty is indicated in children with GHD to improve final height.