Growth hormone treatment in children in Israel: A large-scale retrospective database study

Yael Reichenberg, Rachel Bello, Bernice Oberman, Moryia Cohen, Avner Herman Cohen, Vered Shkalim Zemer*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the indications, population characteristics and latency between short stature diagnosis to treatment with recombinant growth hormone (GH) therapy in a large cohort of children in Israel. Methods: We performed a retrospective medical chart review of all children treated with GH for conditions associated with short stature in three central districts in Israel from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2021. Data extracted from the medical files included demographics, time to diagnosis, treatment indications and GH therapy duration. Results: The study group comprised 5148 children aged 1 day to 17 years. A total of 64.1% were diagnosed with idiopathic short stature (ISS), 31.1% with GH deficiency (GHD) and 2.5% with small-for-gestational age (SGA). Males were treated more than females (58.9% vs. 41.1%). The mean age at first documentation of short stature was 6.9 ± 3.5 years. GH therapy was initiated at a mean age of 9.8 ± 3.3 years. A total of 51.2% were of high socio-economic status (SES); 78.2% were non-ultraorthodox Jews, 13%, ultraorthodox Jews, and 8.8% were Arabs. Conclusion: Meticulous growth follow-up from early childhood for all children, specifically females, those of low SES, and minorities is important to provide appropriate referral, treatment and final adult height outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
JournalActa Paediatrica, International Journal of Paediatrics
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2024

Funding

FundersFunder number
Novo Nordisk

    Keywords

    • children
    • growth hormone deficiency
    • growth hormone treatment
    • idiopathic short stature
    • small-for-gestational age

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