Growth Hormone Therapy in Children: When to Stop?

There is currently no consensus on when to start or stop growth hormone (GH) treatment for short stature. Observed height velocity and/or remaining growth potential are the usual guidelines for the efficacy of continued treatment, and the decision to stop GH therapy will thus vary with the underlying disease and individual circumstances, within the limitations of the social and financial environment. The consequences of discontinuing treatment must also be considered. In GH deficiency a chronologically differential progression of developmental events is likely, and while normal height may be attained GH-dependent gonadal or bone structure/function may be retarded. The decision to stop GH treatment can only be made with reference to the expanding knowledge of its complex biological role rather than adhering to convention.