Pediatric endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism
Efficacy of recombinant growth hormone therapy in children born small for gestational age (SGA): a retrospective analysis
By Pałysa A, Kopiec-Burdecka M and Pyrżak B.
Abstract
Introduction
Children born small for gestational age (SGA) present with a birth weight or length below -2 standard deviations (SD) relative to population norms for gestational age and sex. In Poland, such patients are eligible for recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy reimbursed by the National Health Fund.
Aim
To retrospectively assess the effectiveness of rhGH therapy in children diagnosed with SGA based on clinical data from 39 patients treated with rhGH between 2016 and 2025. Material and methods: Anthropometric data were analysed at therapy initiation and completion. Treatment duration and changes in height and weight SD score (SDS) were evaluated. The influence of age at treatment initiation and sex on therapy outcomes was also assessed.