Clinical Report: GH therapy and final height after HCT

Overview

Growth hormone (GH) therapy was associated with improved final adult height in patients who experienced short stature following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in childhood. The study highlighted significant variability in responses to GH therapy among patients.

Background

Growth deficiency is a notable late consequence for survivors of childhood HCT, impacting their adult height and overall health. This study provides insights into the factors influencing GH responsiveness and final height outcomes.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• GH therapy resulted in a 0.94-SDS greater improvement in height compared to no therapy.
• Patients who underwent HCT at age 5 years or older showed a 0.75-SDS greater improvement.
• Total body irradiation (TBI) was linked to a 0.76-SDS lower ΔSDS.
• Chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) was associated with a 0.60-SDS lower ΔSDS.
• Absence of TBI and female sex were associated with more favorable responses to GH therapy.
• GH therapy did not increase the risk of slipped capital femoral epiphysis, secondary malignancies, or relapse of primary disease.

Clinical Implications

GH therapy can significantly improve height outcomes in childhood HCT survivors with short stature.

Conclusion

Responses to GH therapy can vary widely based on clinical factors.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2026 -- Growth hormone therapy after hematopoietic cell transplantation in childhood: a nationwide survey and longitudinal cohort study
2. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2022 -- Extended Outcomes Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I-H: A Retrospective Analysis of 51 Cases
3. Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2021 -- Rescue HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation utilizing post-transplant cyclophosphamide for addressing graft failure in non-malignant conditions
4. Blood Cancer Journal, 2022 -- Evaluation of Low-Dose PTCy Combined with Low-Dose ATG for GVHD Prevention Following Unrelated Donor Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in Hematologic Cancers: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Study
5. Endocrine Society -- Hypothalamic–Pituitary and Growth Disorders in Survivors of Childhood Cancer
6. Growth hormone therapy after hematopoietic cell transplantation in childhood: a nationwide survey and longitudinal cohort study
7. Hypothalamic–Pituitary and Growth Disorders in Survivors of Childhood Cancer | Endocrine Society