Effects of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I therapy in patients with gene defects in the GH axis

J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2006 Mar;19(3):229-36. doi: 10.1515/jpem.2006.19.3.229.

Abstract

We report on four patients (3 F) who were diagnosed as having either a 6.7 kb GH1 gene deletion, a GH1 signalling peptide mutation, or a GH receptor mutation, with particular regard to treatment modalities (GH, rhIGF-I) and final height. Patients with GH1 gene defects developed anti-GH antibodies (GH-Ab) following GH treatment. Surprisingly, growth response to GH was unrestricted in one girl, who reached a final height within her target height range, whereas her cousin with the identical genetic defect responded far less favourably. Variability in the growth inhibiting potency of GH-Ab may therefore depend on genetic disposition, specific epitopes, or induction of immunological tolerance. Growth response during rhIGF-I treatment carried out in three of the patients was moderate, but pubertal development and bone age acceleration occurred in the two patients treated at pubertal age. GH resistance, either caused by GH-Ab or GH receptor mutations, is still difficult to treat and results in a heterogeneous outcome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies / blood
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Body Height / genetics*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Growth Disorders / drug therapy
  • Growth Disorders / genetics*
  • Growth Disorders / immunology
  • Human Growth Hormone / deficiency
  • Human Growth Hormone / genetics*
  • Human Growth Hormone / immunology
  • Human Growth Hormone / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / therapeutic use*
  • Laron Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Laron Syndrome / immunology
  • Male
  • Receptors, Somatotropin / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Receptors, Somatotropin
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I