Imagine being a parent and noticing that your child, who seems healthy and full of energy, is significantly shorter than their friends. That’s the dilemma one concerned father is currently facing. Even though his elementary school-aged kid eats well and gets plenty of sleep, there’s still a noticeable height difference compared to their peers. Worried, the father took his child to the hospital, only to find out that the child had a growth hormone deficiency.
Naturally, the father is torn. “The doctors suggested growth hormone therapy, but I’m not sure,” he admits. “I want my child to grow at the same rate as their friends, but I’m concerned about whether they can handle the injections—or if maybe the issue will just resolve itself.”
Growth hormone deficiency happens when the pituitary gland—the one responsible for hormone regulation—doesn’t produce enough of the growth hormone that kids need to grow. Without enough of this hormone, children not only struggle with height but could also face issues like osteoporosis, arthritis, and obesity later in life. Some early signs can even include delayed tooth development or brittle nails.
Doctors diagnose growth hormone deficiency when a child’s height is in the bottom 3% for their age or if they grow less than 4 centimeters (1.57 inches) per year. Bone age is another clue: if it’s more than two years behind a child’s actual age, that could signal a problem, too.
To diagnose growth hormone deficiency, doctors must closely monitor the child’s growth rate and compare it with the growth patterns of peers of the same age and gender. Diagnosis may involve various tests, including bone age assessments, brain imaging, and growth hormone stimulation tests.
Growth hormone deficiency requires treatment, typically through growth hormone injections. These injections can improve the growth rate in children with this deficiency, helping them reach a more typical adult height.
When it comes to growth hormone therapy, timing is everything. Starting treatment early and keeping it consistent is crucial for the best results. If treatment begins after age 10, the chances of reaching a typical adult height drop significantly. Experts agree that beginning before age 5 offers the highest potential for a successful outcome.
Dr. Kim Hwa Young from Bundang Seoul National University Hospital explains, “Growth hormone injections are a proven method. Early diagnosis and treatment before the growth plates close are key factors determining final height.”
Consistency is also essential. If kids miss doses or skip out on daily injections, it can seriously affect their growth. That’s where new innovations, like long-acting growth hormones, come in. Last year, the FDA approved Somatrogon, a long-acting growth hormone that only requires weekly shots instead of daily ones.
For kids who need long-term treatment or have a fear of needles, this option can be a game-changer. With fewer injections, the hope is that adherence improves, leading to better growth outcomes.
In a recent study, children who received weekly Somatrogon grew an average of 10.95 centimeters (4.3 inches) in 12 months, compared to 9.58 cm (3.77 inches) for those on daily shots. Both options were equally safe and well-tolerated.
“Younger children often resist injections or feel overwhelmed by a daily routine,” notes Dr. Kim. “This low adherence significantly impacts growth rates and final height.”
The takeaway? For children needing long-term treatment or who struggle with daily injections, long-acting options like Somatrogon can improve adherence and lead to better growth outcomes. It’s all about finding the right solution that works for both the child and their family.