A growth hormone (GH) treatment used to make children taller could also cause them become depressed and withdrawn over time.
The link between GH use and an improved psychological adaptation has been disputed, but data suggest cognitive problems seen in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) most likely occur in children as well and could be improved with treatment, an Endocrine Society news release reported.
"Daily injections, frequent clinic visits and repeated discussions about height might exacerbate instead of improve psychosocial concerns in children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) who are otherwise healthy, and give them no cognitive improvements," lead author Emily C. Walvoord, MD, associate professor of clinical pediatrics at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, said in the news release.
The researcher evaluated the cognitive and behavioral status of children suffering from GHD and ISS who were treated with GH or simply observation. They found when height improved psychological function tended to improve as well. They also found evidence that GH treatment worsened emotional
The team looked at 41 children between the ages of six and 16 who were assigned to either a group that was treated with GH or a control group that was not. The participants were given psychological tests and asked to respond to questionnaires both at the start of the study and between nine and 12 months later.
So far 28 of those participants have had follow-up testing; based on this data there is no difference between the cognitive function between the GHD and ISS children. Compared with the untreated ISS children whose depression and withdrawal symptoms have improved, the children who were treated for GHD and ISS have experienced a worsening of symtpoms.
"This novel study of the cognitive and emotional effects of GH therapy in children with GHD and ISS compared to untreated short children raises concerns that, despite improvements in height, these children may not achieve psychosocial benefits," Dr. Walvoord said.
