CONTINUOUS SUBCUTANEOUS GHRH(1‐29)NH2 PROMOTES GROWTH OVER 1 YEAR IN SHORT, SLOWLY GROWING CHILDREN

Abstract

We have treated eight pre‐pubertal children with partial GH insufficiency with continuous subcutaneous infusions of GHRH_(1‐29)NH₂ at a dose of 60 ng/kg/ min for periods of up to 1 year. In five children treated for 1 year, mean growth velocity increased from 4.6 cm/year (range 4.4‐5.2) to 7.0 cm/year (5.7‐8.7) (P = 0.04). Three children treated for 3‐6 months showed similar height velocity increases. A return to pretreatment growth rates was seen after cessation of treatment in all children. Twenty‐four‐hour GH profiles performed at intervals of 3 months showed sustained augmentation of pulsatile GH secretion without evidence of desensitization. The presence of pulsatile GH secretion during continuous GHRH administration provides strong evidence in man for the role of somatostatin in determining GH pulse frequency. The ability of the pituitary to respond to a supramaximal bolus of GHRH remained constant during the treatment. Continuous administration of GHRH_(l‐29)NH₂ will become a practicable treatment when formulated into a sustained release or depot preparation. We have shown this to be an effective therapy for some short, slowly growing children. Further studies are required to establish the optimal dosage regimen.