A retrospective study of growth hormone use in adolescents with cystic fibrosis

Objectives Studies of growth hormone (GH) effectiveness in prepubertal children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have been published previously. We present a retrospective study of GH treatment in adolescents with CF. Study design We performed a retrospective evaluation of data from 25 pubertal adolescents (ages 13 years 4 months to 16 years 11 months, Tanner stage III or IV). Thirteen (4 F) were followed for 1 year, then received 1 year of treatment with GH (GHTX). We compared the results with a 'control' group of 12 (4 F) whose growth was followed for 1 year (NonTX) but who were not treated with GH at the time of this review. Anthropometric data included: height, weight, lean tissue mass (LTM) and bone mineral content (BMC). Pulmonary function, number of hospitalizations, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), random blood glucose levels, IGF-I, oestradiol and testosterone levels are also reported. Results There was no difference between the groups at baseline. After 1 year, GHTX had significantly greater height and weight velocity, height and weight Z-scores, body mass index (BMI), LTM and BMC. Absolute pulmonary function was better and hospitalizations were fewer in the GHTX. No subject developed glucose intolerance or had any other side-effects. Conclusion These results suggest that GH use in pubertal adolescents with CF safely improves height, body weight, bone mineralization and clinical status.