Growth increments with low dose intermittent growth hormone and fluoxymesterone in first year of therapy in hypopituitarism.

Abstract

The availability of a commercial preparation of human growth hormone (hGH) prompted a study in children with hypopituitarism to determine the efficacy of a lower dose of hGH. Thirteen children, ages 4 years 3 months to 13 years 7 months, were given hGH concomitant with fluoxymesterone in an intermittent regimen. The hGH was given intramuscularly, 1 IU daily for 12 to 36 days in each course. There were four courses per year. The fluoxymesterone was given orally, 1 to 2 mg. The total amount of hGH administered was between 48 and 112 IU per year, as compared with the regimen of 312 IU per year, 2 units three times a week. The growth velocity in all 13 children improved, and the mean growth velocity was 6.4 cm +/- 1.13 SD. The mean bone age increment was 0.57 years +/- 0.14 SEM in one chronological year of therapy. The low dose regimen permits a significant reduction in cost of hGH without causing undue advance in bone age.

• Authors: R T Kirkland, G W Clayton
• Journal: Pediatrics (Pediatrics) Vol. 63 Issue 3 Pg. 386-8 (Mar 1979) ISSN: 0031-4005 [Print] United States
• PMID: 220585 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Growth Hormone
• Fluoxymesterone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Age Determination by Skeleton
• Body Height (drug effects)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Fluoxymesterone (therapeutic use)
• Growth Hormone (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hypopituitarism (drug therapy)
• Male