In children with
craniopharyngioma, poor growth commonly precedes diagnosis, but is observed less frequently than neurological or visual symptoms. A deficiency of
growth hormone (GH) is common before, and almost universal
after, treatment of the tumour, and is usually treated with GH. However, a minority of these children with GH deficiency (GHD) grow well without GH replacement
therapy but exhibit other metabolic effects of GHD that are correctable by GH treatment. This article provides a review of studies in 422 children with
craniopharyngioma whose details have been entered into the database of KIGS, the Kabi International Growth Study. The response to GH during the first year of
therapy was similar to that seen in children with idiopathic GHD (IGHD). Leg length was relatively greater than sitting height and this disproportion was maintained during treatment. Adiposity increased in some children receiving GH treatment. At the end of GH treatment in 82 patients, there was a median gain in height SD score of 1.51, with evidence of residual growth potential still remaining in the majority. Tumour recurrence occurred in 13.5% of the total group of patients with
craniopharyngioma within KIGS, at a median of 3.9 years from diagnosis and 2.3 years from the start of GH
therapy. Tumour recurrence was not associated with an impairment in height achieved, but there was a tendency towards greater adiposity in patients in whom recurrence occurred. Adverse events during GH treatment were more frequent in children with
craniopharyngioma than in those with IGHD, and
headache was commonly reported. The results of these studies suggest that GH treatment is recommended for the treatment of children with
craniopharyngioma on the grounds of improved growth velocity, adult height and other GH-dependent metabolic functions, and of the good safety profile of GH in these patients.