Three-year results of treatment with growth hormone, alone or associated with oxandrolone, in girls with Turner syndrome. The Kabi Collaborative Study Group

Horm Res. 1991;35(6):229-33. doi: 10.1159/000181910.

Abstract

22 girls with Turner syndrome aged 10.8 +/- 2.4 years with bone age 8.58 +/- 1.32 years, randomized in two groups, were treated for 3 years with either growth hormone (GH), 0.1 U/kg daily (group A), or GH, 0.1 U/kg, plus oxandrolone, 0.06 mg/kg (group B). This resulted in a sharp increase in growth rate for the first year of treatment, followed in the second and third years by a growth rate near to the normal mean for age. The growth velocity was better in group B, the difference being significant during the first year only. After 3 years, the predicted adult height had increased by 2.1 cm as a mean in group A and by 4.5 cm in group B, with important individual variations, resulting in a gain of at least 3 cm in 3/10 patients of group A and 9/12 of group B. No metabolic or other side effects occurred. These 3-year data confirm that GH improves the predictable height in Turner girls. They suggest that it may be useful for at least 3 years and that adding a small dose of oxandrolone for 2 years in girls aged more than 8 years could be of good practice. However, earlier and more protracted treatment with GH has to be studied with the hope to better improve the predictable adult height.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Height
  • Child
  • Female
  • Growth Hormone / administration & dosage
  • Growth Hormone / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Oxandrolone / administration & dosage
  • Oxandrolone / therapeutic use*
  • Turner Syndrome / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Oxandrolone
  • Growth Hormone