Is it safe to give children growth hormones in extreme cases? B

Specialist outlines what it means to have ISS

eing short is often simply genetic, where a person is born into a family where both parents are of short stature, says Dr Arvind Kumar Chowdhary, Specialist Paediatrician, Aster Clinic.

Idiopathic Short Stature (ISS) is a condition in children wherein they exhibit extreme short stature, or height, due to no identifiable medical cause or reason, he said.

Studies have shown two reasons why a child may be short.

“The first could be genetic; the second could be due to delayed growth, which is normal in some children,” he said.

There are also environmental factors that can play a role in determining a child’s height.

A balanced diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates, fibre as well as essential minerals and vitamins, especially Vitamin D can contribute to improving height naturally in children.

Getting enough sleep also helps, since the human body releases the human growth hormone during sleep cycles.

“Children can also practice good posture by not slouching while sitting or walking, and focus on staying active by playing sports,” he said.

However, the question remains: Is it advisable for parents to opt for growth hormones, especially if a child is extremely short?

GROWTH HORMONES

For children who have been examined and diagnosed with growth hormone (GH) deficiency after having tests done, seeking Recombinant Growth Hormone (RGA) treatment is recommended. GH, is a small protein made by the pituitary gland.

Dr Chowdhary said the FDA has approved GH treatment for ISS in children who are growing less than two inches a year.

Therapy should be given from age five up to early puberty, which is 16 in boys and 14 in girls.

He pointed out that while this treatment is not readily available in the UAE, it is used in certain medical centres.

SIDE-EFFECTS

While most medical treatments come with possible side-effects, RGA treatment is said to be linked to increased risk of heart disease, cancer and abnormal somatic (relating to the body) growth.

“Despite these side-effects being reported, it is quite rare. It is always advised to take this hormone under the supervision of paediatric endocrinologist to minimise the worrisome sideeffects,” advised Dr Chowdhary.

However, if a child is not diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, and all other parameters are normal, parents should be advised that their child is growing according to his genetic potential.

“In this case, there is no need for any intervention, other than close follow-up of growth.”

It is always advised to take this hormone under the supervision of paediatric endocrinologist, to minimise worrisome side-effects.” Dr A.K. Chowdhary | Specialist Paediatrician