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0021-972X/00/$03.00/0 Vol. 85, No.

2
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Printed in U.S.A.
Copyright © 2000 by The Endocrine Society

Adult Height in Short Normal Girls Treated with


Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogs and
Growth Hormone
ANNA MARIA PASQUINO, IDA PUCARELLI, MARIO ROGGINI, AND MARIA SEGNI
Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Pediatric Radiology Unit (M.R.), Pediatric Department, University La
Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy

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ABSTRACT treated with GH alone; both groups discontinued treatment at com-
Combined treatment with GH and GnRH analogs (GnRHa) has parable CA and BA. Adult height was considered to be attained when
been proposed to improve final adult height in true precocious pu- growth during the preceding year was less than 1 cm, with a BA of
berty, GH deficiency, and short normal subjects with early or normal over 15 yr. Patients in the group treated with GH plus GnRHa showed
timing of puberty with still controversial results. We treated 12 girls an adult height significantly higher (P ⬍ 0.001) than the pretreat-
with idiopathic short stature and normal or early puberty with GH ment PAH (156.3 ⫾ 5.9 vs. 146.3 ⫾ 5 cm); the gain in centimeters
and GnRHa and followed them to adult height; 12 girls comparable calculated between pretreatment PAH and adult height was 10 ⫾ 2.9
for auxological and laboratory characteristics treated with GH alone cm, and 7 of 12 girls had a gain over 10 cm. Target height was
served to better evaluate the efficacy of addition of GnRHa. At the significantly exceeded. Height SD score for BA increased from ⫺1.81 ⫾
start of combined treatment, the chronological age of the girls (CA; 0.8 to ⫺0.85 ⫾ 1.0. The GH alone group reached an adult height higher
mean ⫾ SD) was 10.2 ⫾ 0.9 yr, bone age (BA) was 10.6 ⫾ 1.9 yr, height than the pretreatment PAH (151.7 ⫾ 2.7 vs. 145.6 ⫾ 4.4 cm); the gain
SD score for BA was ⫺1.81 ⫾ 0.8, PAH was 146.3 ⫾ 5.0 cm. PAH was in final height vs. pretreatment PAH was 6.1 ⫾ 4.4 cm, and 5 of 12
significantly lower than target height (TH 152.7 ⫾ 3.6 cm; P ⬍ 0.005). girls did not gain more than 4 cm. TH was even not reached. The
GH was given at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg䡠week, sc, 6 days weekly, and height SD score did not significantly change. No adverse effects were
GnRHa (depot-triptorelin) was given at a dose of 100 ␮g/kg every 21 observed in either group. All of the girls showed good compliance and
days, im. The 12 girls were treated with GH alone at the same dose; were satisfied with the results. Our experience suggests that the
at the start of therapy their CA was 10.7 ⫾ 1.0, BA was 10.1 ⫾ 1.4 yr, combination of GH and GnRHa is significantly more effective in im-
height SD score for BA was ⫺1.65 ⫾ 0.8, PAH was 145.6 ⫾ 4.4 cm, and proving adult height than GH alone in girls with idiopathic short
TH was 155.8 ⫾ 4.6 cm. Pubertal Tanner stage in both groups was stature, early or normal onset of puberty, and low PAH well below the
B2P2 or B3P3. LHRH test and pelvic ultrasound showed the begin- third percentile and TH. As the cost-benefit of such invasive treat-
ning of puberty. The GH response to standard provocative tests was ment must be seriously considered, further studies are needed due to
10 g/L or more. The mean period of treatment was 4.6 ⫾ 1.7 yr in the the small sample of our patients as well as in other studies reported
group treated with GH plus GnRHa and 4.9 ⫾ 1.4 yr in the group to date. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 85: 619 – 622, 2000)

I N SUBJECTS with short stature and normal GH secretion,


so-called short normal or idiopathic short stature, the
poor final growth is often the result a poor velocity during
Subjects and Methods
Twelve girls (group 1) with chronological age (CA; mean ⫾ sd) of
10.2 ⫾ 0.9 and bone age (BA) of 10.6 ⫾ 1.9 yr, height sd score for BA of
the prepubertal age (in the low range of normality) and a ⫺1.81 ⫾ 0.8, predicted adult height (PAH) of 146.3 ⫾ 5.0 cm, and target
reduced spurt during the pubertal age either with a normal height (TH) of 152.7 ⫾ 3.6 cm were enrolled for combined treatment (GH
and GnRHa) on the basis of the low PAH (lower than the TH). Auxo-
tempo or with an early onset of puberty. logical data at start of GnRHa plus GH therapy are shown in Table 1.
In idiopathic short stature, GH alone has been used in Twelve girls (group 2) with comparable auxological and laboratory
many trials, with controversial results at least as reported criteria were treated with GH alone at the same dose (CA, 10.7 ⫾ 1.0; BA,
to date (1–11). GnRH analogs (GnRHa) alone have been 10.1 ⫾ 1.4 yr; height sd score for BA, ⫺1.65 ⫾ 0.8; PAHm 145.6 ⫾ 4.4 cm;
used in the same condition at pubertal age to induce a TH, 155.8 ⫾ 4.6 cm). Their auxological data at the start of treatment are
shown in Table 2.
delay in epiphyseal fusion and consequent prolongation of In all of the girls in both groups, genetic, skeletal, systemic, and
the duration of linear growth with still controversial re- thyroid diseases were excluded. GH secretion was normal, with a GH
sults (12–15). peak above 10 g/L at two stimulation tests (clonidine, arginine, or
We evaluated the effect of combined therapy with GH and insulin), as were insulin-like growth factor I levels and biochemical and
hematological parameters. A LHRH test was performed in all patients
GnRHa in 12 girls with idiopathic short stature and normal
to assess the beginning of puberty. GH was given at a dose of 0.3
or early puberty, comparing them with a group treated with mg/kg䡠week, sc, 6 day/week, in all of the patients in both groups.
GH alone. Adult heights are available for all of the girls in Depot-triptorelin was given at a dose of 100 ␮g/kg every 21 days, im,
each treatment group. in the girls treated with combined therapy.
The study was approved by the ethical committee of our institution;
written consent was obtained from parents. Both groups of patients were
Received June 16, 1999. Revision received October 8, 1999. Accepted evaluated at start of treatment and every 6 months either during the
October 22, 1999. course of treatment or after the withdrawal. At each evaluation, height
Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Anna Maria was measured three times with a Harpenden stadiometer. BA was
Pasquino, M.D., Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Pediatric Department, determined according to the method of Greulich and Pyle (16) by the
University La Sapienza, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy. same observer, who was unaware of the treatment condition along the

619
620 PASQUINO ET AL. JCE & M • 2000
Vol 85 • No 2

TABLE 1. Auxological data of 12 short normal patients treated TABLE 2. Auxological data of 12 short normal patients treated
with GnRHa plus GH with GH alone

At start of At end of At start of GH At end of GH At adult ht


At adult ht
GnRHa ⫹ GH GnRHa ⫹ GH
CA (yr) 10.7 ⫾ 1.0 15.0 ⫾ 1.2 15.9 ⫾ 1.3
CA (yr) 10.2 ⫾ 0.9 14.8 ⫾ 1.6 16.2 ⫾ 1.2 BA (yr) 10.1 ⫾ 1.4 14.4 ⫾ 1.0 16.2 ⫾ 1.1
BA (yr) 10.6 ⫾ 1.9 13.8 ⫾ 0.8 15.5 ⫾ 0.9 Ht (SD score for BA) ⫺1.65 ⫾ 0.8 ⫺1.46 ⫾ 0.4 ⫺1.72 ⫾ 0.4
Ht (SD score ⫺1.81 ⫾ 0.8 ⫺0.85 ⫾ 1.0a ⫺0.91 ⫾ 1.0a PAH (cm) 145.6 ⫾ 4.4 153.5 ⫾ 2.1a
for BA) Adult ht (cm) 151.7 ⫾ 2.7a
PAH (cm) 146.3 ⫾ 5.0 156.8 ⫾ 5.7a TH (cm) 155.8 ⫾ 4.6b
Adult ht 156.3 ⫾ 5.9a
TH (cm) 152.7 ⫾ 3.6b Values are the mean ⫾ SD.
a
P ⬍ 0.001 vs. start of GH.
Values are the mean ⫾ SD. b
P ⬍ 0.05 vs. adult height.
a
P ⬍ 0.001 vs. start of GnRHa plus GH.
b
P ⬍ 0.05 vs. adult height.

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Pretreatment height in sd score for BA increased significantly
from ⫺1.81 ⫾ 0.8 to ⫺0.91 ⫾ 1.0 (P ⬍ 0.001; ⌬sd score for BA,
whole study, and adult height was predicted according to the Bayley and
Pinneau method (17). Pubertal stage was evaluated using the method of
⫹0.90 ⫾ 0.7). GnRHa treatment decelerated bone age and
Tanner and ranged between B2P2 and B3P3 in all of the girls (18). arrested sexual development; pelvic ultrasound showed re-
Pelvic ultrasound was performed at the beginning of the study in both duced ovarian and uterine volumes. After withdrawal of
groups to verify initial puberty and during therapy with GnRHa to therapy, ovarian and uterine volume increased regularly in
verify the suppression of gonadotropin activity. Midparental TH was 12 months. No ovarian cysts were observed (20). No negative
calculated from the mean height of the parents adjusted for sex, as
described by Tanner et al. (19). metabolic side-effects were observed, especially regarding
Every 6 months in both groups metabolic and hematochemical anal- the oral glucose tolerance test and lipid metabolism. LH and
yses were assessed; a LHRH test was performed in both groups at the FSH were suppressed during treatment and resumed com-
beginning of treatment to confirm the initial puberty and in the GH- and pletely after discontinuation, followed by regular menses in
GnRHa-treated group every 6 months to verify the suppression of go-
nadotropins. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in all the girls
all of the girls after 6 –15 months.
once a year. In girls treated with GH alone (group 2), the height sd
The duration of treatment was (mean ⫾ sd) was 4.6 ⫾ 1.7 yr in group score for BA changed from ⫺1.65 ⫾ 0.8 to ⫺1.46 ⫾ 0.4 (P ⫽
1 (GnRHa plus GH) and 4.9 ⫾ 1.4 in group 2 (GH alone), CA at the NS; ⌬sd score for BA, ⫹0.19 ⫾ 0.7) at discontinuation of
discontinuation of treatment was 14.8 ⫾ 1.6 and BA was 13.8 ⫾ 0.8 in treatment. PAH at the beginning of treatment was 145.6 ⫾ 4.4
group 1, and CA was 15.0 ⫾ 1.2 and BA was 14.4 ⫾ 1.0 in group 2.
Discontinuation of treatment was decided according to classical criteria cm and increased to 153.5 ⫾ 2.1 cm at the discontinuation of
(i.e. growth velocity ⬍2 cm/yr and BA ⱖ14 yr), although several girls therapy (P ⬍ 0.001). Adult height was 151.7 ⫾ 2.7 cm, with
either growing less than 2 cm/yr or satisfied with their height discon- a gain vs. pretreatment PAH of 6.08 ⫾ 4.4 cm. TH was 155.8 ⫾
tinued therapy some months before 14 yr of BA. GnRHa was discon- 4.6 cm. Pretreatment height in sd score for BA did not sig-
tinued at the same time as GH in group 1. Adult height was considered
to be attained when growth velocity during the last year was less than
nificantly change from ⫺1.65 ⫾ 0.8 to ⫺1.72 ⫾ 0.45 (⌬sd score
1 cm and BA was over 15 yr or more; in two girls in group 1 no growth for BA, ⫺0.26 ⫾ 0.3). No negative metabolic side-effects were
was observed in the last year at a BA of less than 15 yr. observed. The girls treated with GH alone showed a normal
pattern of puberty and no ovarian cysts.
Hormone assay
Plasma LH and FSH were measured in duplicate by immmunora- Discussion
diometric assay (Maiaclone, Serono Biodata, Milan, Italy). Estradiol was Combined treatment with GnRHa and GH has been pro-
measured by RIA (Diagnostic Products, Los Angeles, CA; Bio-Rad Lab-
oratories, Inc., Hercules, CA). GH was measured in duplicate by poly- posed and performed to improve adult height in true pre-
clonal RIA (Sorin Biomedica, Vercelli, Italy). Insulin was measured in cocious puberty by several researchers (21–25); recently, we
duplicate by RIA (Diagnostic Products). reported data on adult height in our trial (26). GH-deficient
adolescents have also been treated with GH combined with
Statistical analysis GnRHa to increase final height (27, 28). For idiopathic short
Data are expressed as the mean ⫾ sd unless otherwise stated. Sta- stature with normal or simply early puberty, combined treat-
tistical analysis was performed using paired and unpaired Student’s t ment of GnRHa and GH has been performed, leading to
test. P ⬍ 0.05 was considered significant. conflicting results for adult height (29 –33).
A loss of gain in adult height in 10 girls treated for 2–3 yr
Results
with GH and GnRHa has been reported (31). Adult height
The group treated with combination treatment (GnRHa was reached 3 yr after the discontinuation of therapy; the
and GH; group 1) showed an increment in height sd score for researchers themselves state that their results could have
BA from ⫺1.81 ⫾ 0.8 to ⫺0.85 ⫾ 1.0 (P ⬍ 0.001; ⌬sd score for been negatively influenced by the low dose of GH (0.6 IU/
BA, ⫹0.96 ⫾ 0.73); the mean PAH at the start of treatment kg䡠weekly) and the discontinuation before completion of
was 146.3 ⫾ 5 cm and reached a mean of 156.8 ⫾ 5.7 cm at growth. On the other hand, a significant improvement in
discontinuation of treatment (P ⬍ 0.001). Adult height, adult height has been reported in 14 girls treated with
reached during the following year or more, was 156.3 ⫾ 5.9 GnRHa combined with GH and with GH alone for 2 yr more
cm (sd score for BA, ⫺0.91 ⫾ 1.0); TH was 152.7 ⫾ 3.6 cm. after discontinuation of GnRHa (32).
The gain in centimeters calculated as the difference between In another study, 10 subjects (7 females and 3 males) were
pretreatment PAH and final adult height was 10.0 ⫾ 2.9. treated for 30 months with combined therapy (leuprolide
GnRHa AND GH TREATMENT IN SHORT NORMAL GIRLS 621

TABLE 3. Predicted adult height, final height, and TH of 12 TABLE 4. Predicted adult height, final height, and TH of 12
short normal patients treated with GnRHa plus GH short normal subjects treated with GH

Predicted adult Predicted adult Predicted adult Predicted adult


Patient Final ht TH Patient Final ht TH
ht at start of ht at end of ht at start of ht at end of
no. (cm) (cm) no. (cm) (cm)
therapy (cm) therapy (cm) therapy (cm) therapy (cm)
1 141.2 146.8 147 147.7 1 148.1 154.4 152 158.1
2 145.3 155.2 151 147.7 2 138.9 152.9 153 159.1
3 152.1 164.8 165 154.4 3 149.4 153.4 153.4 147.7
4 139.7 152.4 150 157.5 4 140.2 150.9 147.3 154
5 145 154 153.5 151.8 5 140.7 154.2 152 150.3
6 149.4 162 161 154.5 6 142.5 148.8 147 150.2
7 150.6 160 159 156.1 7 141.7 153.7 153 158
8 140.7 151.6 154 152.7 8 148.3 157.5 156.5 156.4
9 144.3 154.7 155.2 150 9 149.1 153.2 150 158.7

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10 144.8 160.3 160 150 10 149.9 154 150 160.1
11 146 153.7 154 152 11 151.1 154 154 154.5
12 156.5 165.6 166 158.7 12 147.3 155.4 152 163
Mean ⫾ SD 146.3 ⫾ 5.0 156.8 ⫾ 5.7 156.3 ⫾ 5.9 152.7 ⫾ 3.6 Mean ⫾ SD 145.6 ⫾ 4.4 153.5 ⫾ 2.1 151.7 ⫾ 2.7 155.8 ⫾ 4.6

acetate, 300 ␮g/kg every 28 days; GH, 0.6 IU/kg weekly) adult height (10 vs. 6 cm). The benefit of treatment remains
(33). Although PAH in the first year of therapy showed a significant but less striking in group 1 (GH plus GnRHa) and
significant improvement, adult height remained signifi- not significant in the GH alone group, if we compare heights
cantly lower than TH. The low dose of GH, the short period in sd score for BA as reported previously (31, 33). However,
of therapy, and the evaluation of results, calculated by using if we consider their economical and ethical costs, these ther-
mean value PAH for males and females limits in some ways apies should be limited to very short subjects who have a
the usefulness of this study. Our study was performed in very low PAH well below the third percentile and parental
both groups using the same criteria, such as GH dose (0.3 TH, in whom even a gain of 6 cm could be considered
mg/kg䡠week), auxological characteristics of the girls, and worthwhile. As the cost-benefit of such invasive treatment
time of discontinuation of treatment. must be seriously considered, further studies are needed.
In group 1, GnRHa was given at a suppressive dose (at
least 100 ␮g/kg in 21 days, im). Furthermore, we were very References
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