Growth hormone treatment in children with cystic fibrosis

Minerva Pediatr. 2002 Oct;54(5):365-71.

Abstract

Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have problems with poor linear growth and inadequate weight gain. Nutritional augmentation has been the mainstay of therapy for improving both weight and height in CF; however inadequate growth continues to be a problem. Furthermore, protein catabolism has been documented even in non-acutely ill adults and children with CF, and could adversely affect longitudinal growth. Human recombinant growth hormone (GH) has positive effects on nitrogen balance, and multiple studies have demonstrated improved height and weight in children treated with GH. The purpose of this article is to summarize studies evaluating GH use in children with CF.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Cystic Fibrosis / complications*
  • Growth Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Growth Disorders / etiology
  • Growth Hormone / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Growth Hormone