The first-year growth response to growth hormone treatment predicts the long-term prepubertal growth response in children

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Pretreatment auxological variables, such as birth size and parental heights, are important predictors of the growth response to GH treatment. For children with missing pretreatment data, published prediction models cannot be used.</p> <p>The objective was to construct and validate a prediction model for children with missing background data based on the observed first-year growth response to GH. The accuracy and reliability of the model should be comparable with our previously published prediction model relying on pretreatment data. The design used was mathematical curve fitting on observed growth response data from children treated with a GH dose of 33 μg/kg/d.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Growth response data from 162 prepubertal children born at term were used to construct the model; the group comprised of 19% girls, 80% GH-deficient and 23% born SGA. For validation, data from 205 other children fulfilling the same inclusion and treatment criteria as the model group were used. The model was also tested on data from children born prematurely, children from other continents and children receiving a GH dose of 67 μg/kg/d.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The GH response curve was similar for all children, but with an individual amplitude. The curve SD score depends on an individual factor combining the effect of dose and growth, the 'Response Score', and time on treatment, making prediction possible when the first-year growth response is known. The prediction interval (± 2 SD_res) was ± 0.34 SDS for the second treatment year growth response, corresponding to ± 1.2 cm for a 3-year-old child and ± 1.8 cm for a 7-year-old child. For the 1–4-year prediction, the SD_reswas 0.13 SDS/year and for the 1–7-year prediction it was 0.57 SDS (i.e. < 0.1 SDS/year).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The model based on the observed first-year growth response on GH is valid worldwide for the prediction of up to 7 years of prepubertal growth in children with GHD/ISS, born AGA/SGA and born preterm/term, and can be used as an aid in medical decision making.</p

Models predicting the growth response to growth hormone treatment in short children independent of GH status, birth size and gestational age

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Mathematical models can be used to predict individual growth responses to growth hormone (GH) therapy. The aim of this study was to construct and validate high-precision models to predict the growth response to GH treatment of short children, independent of their GH status, birth size and gestational age. As the GH doses are included, these models can be used to individualize treatment.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Growth data from 415 short prepubertal children were used to construct models for predicting the growth response during the first years of GH therapy. The performance of the models was validated with data from a separate cohort of 112 children using the same inclusion criteria.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Using only auxological data, the model had a standard error of the residuals (SD_res), of 0.23 SDS. The model was improved when endocrine data (GH_maxprofile, IGF-I and leptin) collected before starting GH treatment were included. Inclusion of these data resulted in a decrease of the SD_resto 0.15 SDS (corresponding to 1.1 cm in a 3-year-old child and 1.6 cm in a 7-year old). Validation of these models with a separate cohort, showed similar SD_resfor both types of models. Preterm children were not included in the Model group, but predictions for this group were within the expected range.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>These prediction models can with high accuracy be used to identify short children who will benefit from GH treatment. They are clinically useful as they are constructed using data from short children with a broad range of GH secretory status, birth size and gestational age.</p

Growth hormone (GH) dose-dependent IGF-I response relates to pubertal height gain

Background: Responsiveness to GH treatment can be estimated by both growth and Delta IGF-I. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate if mimicking the physiological increase during puberty in GH secretion, by using a higher GH dose could lead to pubertal IGFs in short children with low GH secretion. The secondary aim was to explore the relationship between IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and the IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio and gain in height. Methods: A multicentre, randomized, clinical trial (TRN88-177) in 104 children (90 boys), who had received GH 33 mu g/kg/day during at least 1 prepubertal year. They were followed from GH start to adult height (mean, 7.5 years; range, 4.6-10.7). At onset of puberty, children were randomized into three groups, to receive 67 mu g/kg/day (GH(67)) given once (GH(67x1); n = 30) or divided into two daily injection (GH(33x2); n = 36), or to remain on a single 33 mu g/kg/ day dose (GH(33x1); n = 38). The outcome measures were change and obtained mean on-treatment IGF-I-SDS, IGFBP3(SDS) and IGF-I/IGFBP3 ratio(SDS) during prepuberty and puberty. These variables were assessed in relation to prepubertal, pubertal and total gain in height(SDS). Results: Mean prepubertal increases 1 year after GH start were: 2.1 IGF-I-SDS, 0.6 IGFBP3(SDS) and 1.5 IGF-I/IGFBP3ratio(SDS). A significant positive correlation was found between prepubertal Delta IGFs and both prepubertal and total gain in height(SDS). During puberty changes in IGFs were GH dose-dependent: mean pubertal level of IGF-I-SDS was higher in GH67 vs GH(33) (p = 0.031). First year pubertal Delta IGF-I-SDS was significantly higher in the GH(67) vs GH33 group (0.5 vs -0.1, respectively, p = 0.007), as well as Delta IGF-I-SDS to the pubertal mean level (0.2 vs -0.2, p = 0.028). In multivariate analyses, the prepubertal increase in 'Delta IGF-I-SDS from GH start' and the 'GH dose-dependent pubertal Delta IGF-I-SDS' were the most important variables for explaining variation in prepubertal (21 %), pubertal (26 %) and total (28 %) gain in height(SDS). Conclusion: The dose-dependent change in IGFs was related to a dose-dependent pubertal gain in height(SDS). The attempt to mimic normal physiology by giving a higher GH dose during puberty was associated with both an increase in IGF-I and a dose-dependent gain in height(SDS)

Growth hormone (GH) dose-dependent IGF-I response relates to pubertal height gain

Background: Responsiveness to GH treatment can be estimated by both growth and Delta IGF-I. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate if mimicking the physiological increase during puberty in GH secretion, by using a higher GH dose could lead to pubertal IGFs in short children with low GH secretion. The secondary aim was to explore the relationship between IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and the IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio and gain in height. Methods: A multicentre, randomized, clinical trial (TRN88-177) in 104 children (90 boys), who had received GH 33 mu g/kg/day during at least 1 prepubertal year. They were followed from GH start to adult height (mean, 7.5 years; range, 4.6-10.7). At onset of puberty, children were randomized into three groups, to receive 67 mu g/kg/day (GH(67)) given once (GH(67x1); n = 30) or divided into two daily injection (GH(33x2); n = 36), or to remain on a single 33 mu g/kg/ day dose (GH(33x1); n = 38). The outcome measures were change and obtained mean on-treatment IGF-I-SDS, IGFBP3(SDS) and IGF-I/IGFBP3 ratio(SDS) during prepuberty and puberty. These variables were assessed in relation to prepubertal, pubertal and total gain in height(SDS). Results: Mean prepubertal increases 1 year after GH start were: 2.1 IGF-I-SDS, 0.6 IGFBP3(SDS) and 1.5 IGF-I/IGFBP3ratio(SDS). A significant positive correlation was found between prepubertal Delta IGFs and both prepubertal and total gain in height(SDS). During puberty changes in IGFs were GH dose-dependent: mean pubertal level of IGF-I-SDS was higher in GH67 vs GH(33) (p = 0.031). First year pubertal Delta IGF-I-SDS was significantly higher in the GH(67) vs GH33 group (0.5 vs -0.1, respectively, p = 0.007), as well as Delta IGF-I-SDS to the pubertal mean level (0.2 vs -0.2, p = 0.028). In multivariate analyses, the prepubertal increase in 'Delta IGF-I-SDS from GH start' and the 'GH dose-dependent pubertal Delta IGF-I-SDS' were the most important variables for explaining variation in prepubertal (21 %), pubertal (26 %) and total (28 %) gain in height(SDS). Conclusion: The dose-dependent change in IGFs was related to a dose-dependent pubertal gain in height(SDS). The attempt to mimic normal physiology by giving a higher GH dose during puberty was associated with both an increase in IGF-I and a dose-dependent gain in height(SDS)

Ten years with biosimilar rhGH in clinical practice in Sweden : experience from the prospective PATRO children and adult studies

Background: In 2007, Omnitrope (R) was the first biosimilar recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) to be approved in Sweden for treatment in adults and children. Over 10 years' safety and effectiveness data for biosimilar rhGH can now be presented. Methods: PATRO Children and PATRO Adults are multicenter, longitudinal, observational, post-marketing surveillance studies. Eligible patients include children 0-18 years and adults receiving biosimilar rhGH treatment. Adverse events (AEs) are monitored for safety evaluation. Growth variables in children and metabolic data in adults are recorded for effectiveness evaluation. Results: As of January 2019, data from 136 children (48% male) were reported from Swedish centers. Mean age in rhGH treatment-naive patients at study entry (n = 114) was 7.5 years, with mean 3.6 years treatment duration. No severe AEs of diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, or malignancy were reported. The most frequently reported AE was nasopharyngitis (n = 16 patients). No clinically relevant anti-hGH or neutralizing antibodies were observed. The mean change from baseline in height standard deviation score (SDS) in naive prepubertal GH deficiency patients was + 0.79 at 1 year, + 1.27 at 2 years, and + 1.55 at 3 years. Data from 293 adults (44% rhGH-naive, 51% male) were included. Fatigue was the most frequently reported AE (n = 26 patients). The incidence of new neoplasms or existing neoplasm progression was 23.8 patients per 1000 patient-years. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was reported in four patients. At baseline in rhGH-naive adults, mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) was 29.1 (5.6) kg/m(2) and mean (SD) insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I SDS was - 3.0 (1.4). Mean daily dose increased from 0.1 mg at baseline to 0.3 mg after 4 years. IGF-I SDS normalized during the first year of treatment. Mean BMI and glucose were unchanged over 4 years, while low-/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio decreased. Conclusions: For the first time, Swedish data from the PATRO Children and Adults studies are presented. The 10-year data suggest that biosimilar rhGH is well tolerated across pediatric and adult indications. Safety and effectiveness were similar to previous reports for other rhGH preparations. These results need to be confirmed in larger cohorts, highlighting the importance of long-term post-marketing studies

Growth hormone (GH) dose-dependent IGF-I response relates to pubertal height gain

Background: Responsiveness to GH treatment can be estimated by both growth and Delta IGF-I. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate if mimicking the physiological increase during puberty in GH secretion, by using a higher GH dose could lead to pubertal IGFs in short children with low GH secretion. The secondary aim was to explore the relationship between IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and the IGF-I/IGFBP-3 ratio and gain in height. Methods: A multicentre, randomized, clinical trial (TRN88-177) in 104 children (90 boys), who had received GH 33 mu g/kg/day during at least 1 prepubertal year. They were followed from GH start to adult height (mean, 7.5 years; range, 4.6-10.7). At onset of puberty, children were randomized into three groups, to receive 67 mu g/kg/day (GH(67)) given once (GH(67x1); n = 30) or divided into two daily injection (GH(33x2); n = 36), or to remain on a single 33 mu g/kg/ day dose (GH(33x1); n = 38). The outcome measures were change and obtained mean on-treatment IGF-I-SDS, IGFBP3(SDS) and IGF-I/IGFBP3 ratio(SDS) during prepuberty and puberty. These variables were assessed in relation to prepubertal, pubertal and total gain in height(SDS). Results: Mean prepubertal increases 1 year after GH start were: 2.1 IGF-I-SDS, 0.6 IGFBP3(SDS) and 1.5 IGF-I/IGFBP3ratio(SDS). A significant positive correlation was found between prepubertal Delta IGFs and both prepubertal and total gain in height(SDS). During puberty changes in IGFs were GH dose-dependent: mean pubertal level of IGF-I-SDS was higher in GH67 vs GH(33) (p = 0.031). First year pubertal Delta IGF-I-SDS was significantly higher in the GH(67) vs GH33 group (0.5 vs -0.1, respectively, p = 0.007), as well as Delta IGF-I-SDS to the pubertal mean level (0.2 vs -0.2, p = 0.028). In multivariate analyses, the prepubertal increase in 'Delta IGF-I-SDS from GH start' and the 'GH dose-dependent pubertal Delta IGF-I-SDS' were the most important variables for explaining variation in prepubertal (21 %), pubertal (26 %) and total (28 %) gain in height(SDS). Conclusion: The dose-dependent change in IGFs was related to a dose-dependent pubertal gain in height(SDS). The attempt to mimic normal physiology by giving a higher GH dose during puberty was associated with both an increase in IGF-I and a dose-dependent gain in height(SDS)

A systematic review of hormone treatment for children with gender dysphoria and recommendations for research

Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects on psychosocial and mental health, cognition, body composition, and metabolic markers of hormone treatment in children with gender dysphoria. Methods: Systematic review essentially follows PRISMA. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and thirteen other databases until 9 November 2021 for English-language studies of hormone therapy in children with gender dysphoria. Of 9934 potential studies identified with abstracts reviewed, 195 were assessed in full text, and 24 were relevant. Results: In 21 studies, adolescents were given gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) treatment. In three studies, cross-sex hormone treatment (CSHT) was given without previous GnRHa treatment. No randomised controlled trials were identified. The few longitudinal observational studies were hampered by small numbers and high attrition rates. Hence, the long-term effects of hormone therapy on psychosocial health could not be evaluated. Concerning bone health, GnRHa treatment delays bone maturation and bone mineral density gain, which, however, was found to partially recover during CSHT when studied at age 22 years. Conclusion: Evidence to assess the effects of hormone treatment on the above fields in children with gender dysphoria is insufficient. To improve future research, we present the GENDHOR checklist, a checklist for studies in gender dysphoria

Ten years of clinical experience with biosimilar human growth hormone : a review of safety data

Safety concerns for recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatments include impact on cancer risk, impact on glucose homeostasis, and the formation of antibodies to endogenous/exogenous GH. Omnitrope (R) (biosimilar rhGH) was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2006, with approval granted on the basis of comparable quality, safety, and efficacy to the reference medicine (Genotropin (R)). Additional concerns that may exist in relation to biosimilar rhGH include safety in indications granted on the basis of extrapolation and the impact of changing to biosimilar rhGH from other rhGH treatments. A substantial data set is available to fully understand the safety profile of biosimilar rhGH, which includes data from its clinical development studies and 10 years of post-approval experience. As of June 2016, 106,941,419 patient days (292,790 patient-years) experience has been gathered for biosimilar rhGH. Based on the available data, there have been no unexpected or unique adverse events related to biosimilar rhGH treatment. There is no increased risk of cancer, adverse glucose homeostasis, or immunogenic response with biosimilar rhGH compared with the reference medicine and other rhGH products. The immunogenicity of biosimilar rhGH is also similar to that of the reference and other rhGH products. Physicians should be reassured that rhGH products have a good safety record when used for approved indications and at recommended doses, and that the safety profile of biosimilar rhGH is in keeping with that of other rhGH products

Normalization of puberty and adult height in girls with Turner syndrome : results of the Swedish Growth Hormone trials initiating transition into adulthood

Objective: To study the impact of GH dose and age at GH start in girls with Turner syndrome (TS), aiming for normal height and age at pubertal onset (PO) and at adult height (AH). However, age at diagnosis will limit treatment possibilities. Methods: National multicenter investigator-initiated studies (TNR 87-052-01 and TNR 88-072) in girls with TS, age 3–16 years at GH start during year 1987–1998, with AH in 2003–2011. Of the 144 prepubertal girls with TS, 132 girls were followed to AH (intention to treat), while 43 girls reduced dose or stopped treatment prematurely, making n=89 for Per Protocol population. Age at GH start was 3–9 years (young; n=79) or 9–16 years (old; n=53). Treatment given were recombinant human (rh)GH (Genotropin® Kabi Peptide Hormones, Sweden) 33 or 67 µg/kg/day, oral ethinyl-estradiol (2/3) or transdermal 17β-estradiol (1/3), and, after age 11 years, mostly oxandrolone. Gain in heightSDS, AHSDS, and age at PO and at AH were evaluated. Results: At GH start, heightSDS was −2.8 (versus non-TS girls) for all subgroups and mean age for young was 5.7 years and that of old was 11.6 years. There was a clear dose–response in both young and old TS girls; the mean difference was (95%CI) 0.66 (−0.91 to −0.26) and 0.57 (−1.0 to −0.13), respectively. The prepubertal gainSDS (1.3–2.1) was partly lost during puberty (−0.4 to −2.1). Age/heightSDS at PO ranged from 13 years/−0.42 for GH67young to 15.2 years/−1.47 for GH33old. At AH, GH67old group became tallest (17.2 years; 159.9 cm; −1.27 SDS; total gainSDS, 1.55) compared to GH67young group being least delayed (16.1 years; 157.1 cm; −1.73 SDS; total, 1.08). The shortest was the GH33young group (17.3 years; 153.7 cm: −2.28 SDS; total gainSDS, 0.53), and the most delayed was the GH33old group, (18.5 years; 156.5 cm; −1.82 SDS; total gainSDS, 0.98). Conclusion: For both young and old TS girls, there was a GH-dose growth response, and for the young, there was less delayed age at PO and at AH. All four groups reached an AH within normal range, despite partly losing the prepubertal gain during puberty. Depending on age at diagnosis, low age at start with higher GH dose resulted in greater prepubertal height gain, permitting estrogen to start earlier at normal age and attaining normal AH at normal age, favoring physiological treatment and possibly also bone health, hearing, uterine growth and fertility, psychosocial wellbeing during adolescence, and the transition to adulthood

Estradiol matrix patches for pubertal induction : stability of cut pieces at different temperatures

Objective: Transdermal estradiol patches are primarily designed for adult women. No low-dose patches are licensed for pubertal induction in hypogonadal girls. Low doses can be achieved by cutting a matrix patch into smaller pieces. However, the manufacturers do not guarantee stability or utility of cut estradiol patches. The aim of the study was to assess 1-month stability of cut estradiol patches from four different manufacturers in the laboratory at room temperature (+21 degrees C) and at an elevated temperature (+35 degrees C). Design and methods: Estraderm MX 50 mu g, Systen 50 mu g and Oesclim 25 mu g matrix patches were cut into eight pieces while Estradot 50 mu g small patches were cut in half. The cut patches were stored in their respective pouches at +21 degrees C or at +35 degrees C for up to 1 month. The estradiol drug was extracted from the patch by ethyl acetate n-hexane and determined by radioimmunoassay. Results: Storage at +21 degrees C or +35 degrees C up to 1 month did not reduce the estradiol concentration in Estraderm MX, Systen and Oesclim patches. However, although the estradiol in Estradot patches was not affected by storage at +21 degrees C, at +35 degrees C, estradiol decreased by 57% (+/- 1%) in cut pieces. Conclusions: Unused Estraderm MX, Systen and Oesclim patch pieces may be stored for at least 1 month at &lt;=+35 degrees C. Where estradiol patches for children are not available, cut pieces of these or similar patches can be used for pubertal induction. The Estradot patch was too small to properly cut into low doses and not stable in elevated temperatures