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Attia N, Moussa K, Altwaim A, Al-Agha AE, Amir AA, Almuhareb A. Tackling access and payer barriers for growth hormone therapy in Saudi Arabia: a consensus statement for the Saudi Working Group for Pediatric Endocrinology. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2024; 37:387-399. [PMID: 38547465 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2024-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Prompt diagnosis and early treatment are key goals to optimize the outcomes of children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and attain the genetically expected adult height. Nonetheless, several barriers can hinder prompt diagnosis and treatment of GHD, including payer-related issues. In Saudi Arabia, moderate-to-severe short stature was reported in 13.1 and 11.7 % of healthy boys and girls, respectively. Several access and payer barriers can face pediatric endocrinologists during the diagnosis and treatment of GHD in Saudi Arabia. Insurance coverage policies can restrict access to diagnostic tests for GHD and recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) due to their high costs and lack of gold-standard criteria. Some insurance policies may limit the duration of treatment with rhGH or the amount of medication covered per month. This consensus article gathered the insights of pediatric endocrinologists from Saudi Arabia to reflect the access and payer barriers to the diagnostic tests and treatment options of children with short stature. We also discussed the current payer-related challenges endocrinologists face during the investigations of children with short stature. The consensus identified potential strategies to overcome these challenges and optimize patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najya Attia
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, 4917 King Abdulaziz Medical City/King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences/King Abdullah International Medical Research Center , Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Abdulaziz Altwaim
- King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- International Diabetes Care Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmoein Eid Al-Agha
- Pediatric Department, Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes Section, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Remmits AJW, van Mastrigt GAPG, Evers SMAA, van Setten PA. Facilitators and barriers to the transition from outpatient clinic visits to home-based check-ups for children being treated with growth hormone: a mixed-methods study. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:1857-1870. [PMID: 38294515 PMCID: PMC11001668 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05408-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Although the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic accelerated the adoption and expansion of telemedicine worldwide, little is known about the transition to home-based care for children. This study aims to investigate the facilitators and barriers to the transition from outpatient clinic visits to home-based check-ups (HBCU), for children being treated with growth hormone. A mixed-methods study was performed at Amalia Children's Hospital (Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen), consisting of questionnaires and semi-structured and focus group interviews. For the quantitative part, the Measurement Instrument for Determinants of Innovation (MIDI) was utilised to investigate the facilitators and barriers for the 81 participants regarding the transition to HBCU. The MIDI questionnaire is comprised of four domains: the innovation-, user-, organisation-, and the socio-political scale. Descriptive statistics were performed for analysing the questionnaires. For the qualitative part, interviews with 10 participants derived from the questionnaire and the two focus group interviews were conducted, to gain more in-depth information about the research topic, until data saturation was reached. The interviews were analysed by using the reflective thematic approach, starting with deductive coding and followed by inductive coding. Several facilitators were recognised in our study: procedural clarity, self-efficacy, convenience, patient-centred care, increased accuracy in height measurements, social support, client/patient satisfaction/cooperation, patient-centred care, the flexibility and adaptivity of HBCU, physical start-up period of HBCU, and a potential decrease in healthcare costs. However, several barriers were also noted in our study: poor compatibility with current practice, lack of consultation within the team, feeling of being less controlled by physicians, unsettledness of the organisation, an increased workload for the staff, and insufficient information communication technology (ICT) facilities. CONCLUSION This study revealed that HBCU have considerable benefits for both patients and healthcare professionals, from the standpoint of innovation, user, and socio-political points of view. The identified facilitators and barriers to HBCU should be taken into account when further steps of implementing HBCU are considered. WHAT IS KNOWN • The Corona-Virus-Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an immense impact on health care worldwide. A substantial amount of the outpatient clinic visits for children treated with growth hormone was, as a result of the pandemic, transferred to online consultation. Transitioning paediatric growth hormone treatment to the home setting may be favorable for children and their parents/caregivers) as well for healthcare professionals. • Insights regarding facilitators and barriers is vital for the successful implementation and adoption of home-care technologies. WHAT IS NEW • To our knowledge, we are first to report on and explicit the facilitators and barriers of the transition to home-based check-ups, via online consultation for children being treated with growth hormone. • Both children and healthcare professionals reported major facilitators and some minor barriers to the transition to home-based check-ups, illustrating their potential value. These facilitators and barriers should be considered while working towards implementation of home-based check-ups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk J W Remmits
- Amalia Children's Hospital, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ghislaine A P G van Mastrigt
- CAPHRI, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia M A A Evers
- CAPHRI, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Trimbos Institute, Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Petra A van Setten
- Amalia Children's Hospital, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Remmits AJW, van Mastrigt GAPG, Evers SMAA, der Grinten HLCV, van Setten PA. Parental measurement of height in growth hormone-treated children in the hospital setting proves valid: an observational study - potential for replacement of outpatient clinic visits to the home setting. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:1145-1152. [PMID: 37843612 PMCID: PMC10951002 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05232-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Reliable height measurement plays a pivotal role in evaluating the efficacy of costly growth hormone (GH) therapy in children. Currently, regularly outpatient clinic visits are needed to accurately measure height. The outpatient clinic visits are time-consuming for parents as well for health care professionals. This observational study aimed to investigate the validity of parentally performed height measurements compared to height measurements in the outpatient setting. An observational study was performed at the outpatient clinic of Amalia's Children's Hospital Nijmegen. A portable stadiometer (PS) was developed for height measurements at home. Measurements with the PS were performed by the researcher (PSR) and parents/caregivers (PSP). Measurements performed with the electronic digital ruler (EDS) were considered as the gold standard. The parents were potentially unblinded for the gold standard measurement (EDS). Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed-rank, and Pearson's correlation tests were performed. The Bland-Altman plots were made to illustrate the correlation of the PSR or PSP with the gold standard. The correlation between the height measurements with PSR or PSP compared to the EDS was substantial (PSR: r = 0.9998, R2 = 0.9996, P < 0.001; PSP: r = 0.9998, R2 = 0.9995, P < 0.001). However, a statistically significant underestimation of the PSR and PSP was observed (P < 0.001). The mean difference of the PSR and PSP was respectively - 0.21 cm ± 0.52 SD and - 0.30 cm ± 0.62 SD in comparison to the EDS. The Bland-Altman plots illustrated that 95% of the PSR measurements were between - 1.03 and 0.60 cm and 95% of the PSP measurements were between - 1.26 and 0.66 cm compared to the EDS. CONCLUSION We found a strong correlation between the PSR or PSP and the EDS, with only a minor underestimation of approximately 0.2-0.3 cm. In our opinion, this underestimation is clinically irrelevant as it does not result in an adjustment in GH dose. To conclude, parental height measurements could be a promising tool as it partially replaces outpatient clinic visits needed for measurements of height. Further studies are required to confirm this statement. WHAT IS KNOWN • The immense impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on health care has increased telemedicine worldwide. For adequate integration of telemedicine in paediatric growth hormone treatment, reliable height and weight measurements in the home setting are required. • Earlier studies have shown that parents are capable to reliable perform height measurements in healthy children. WHAT IS NEW • To our knowledge, this is the first study to show a strong correlation between the height measurements with a portable stadiometer by parents and those made with the electronic digital ruler (gold standard) in children treated with growth hormone. There was only a minor underestimation of approximately 0.2-0.3 cm, which we anticipated to be clinically irrelevant. • Therefore, home height measurements can at least partly replace costly outpatient visits for children being treated with growth hormone as part of an uncomplicated course. Moreover, these results may also be promising for implementation in other paediatric populations besides children treated with growth hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk J W Remmits
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ghislaine A P G van Mastrigt
- School for Public Health and Primary Care, Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Silvia M A A Evers
- School for Public Health and Primary Care, Department of Health Services Research, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, CAPHRI, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hedi L Claahsen-van der Grinten
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Petra A van Setten
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Grimberg A, Hawkes CP. Growth Hormone Treatment for Non-GHD Disorders: Excitement Tempered by Biology. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e442-e454. [PMID: 37450564 PMCID: PMC10795916 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The success of growth hormone (GH) replacement in children with classical GH deficiency has led to excitement that other causes of short stature may benefit similarly. However, clinical experience has shown less consistent and generally less dramatic effects on adult height, perhaps not surprising in light of increased understanding of GH and growth plate biology. Nonetheless, clinical demand for GH treatment continues to grow. Upon the 20th anniversary of the US Food and Drug Administration's approval of GH treatment for idiopathic short stature, this review will consider the factors underlying the expansion of GH treatment, the biological mechanisms of GH action, the non-GH-deficient uses of GH as a height-promoting agent, biological constraints to GH action, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adda Grimberg
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Colin P Hawkes
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork T12 DC4A, Ireland
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork T12 R229, Ireland
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Grimberg A, Friedrich EA, Faig W, Kamoun C, Fremont ER, Xiao R, Miller VA. Patient and Parent Characteristics Related to Quality of Life and Self-Esteem in Healthy Youth Undergoing Provocative Growth Hormone Testing. J Pediatr 2023; 260:113460. [PMID: 37172805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine how height and youth as well as parenting characteristics associate with quality of life (QoL) and self-esteem among healthy youth undergoing growth evaluation with growth hormone (GH) testing. STUDY DESIGN Healthy youth, aged 8-14 years, undergoing provocative GH testing, and a parent completed surveys at or around the time of testing. Surveys collected demographic data; youth and parent reports of youth health-related QoL; youth reports of self-esteem, coping skills, social support, and parental autonomy support; and parent reports of perceived environmental threats and achievement goals for their child. Clinical data were extracted from electronic health records. Univariate models and multivariable linear regressions were used to identify factors associated with QoL and self-esteem. RESULTS Sixty youth (mean height z score -2.18 ± 0.61) and their parents participated. On multivariable modeling, youth perceptions of their physical QoL associated with higher grade in school, greater friend and classmate support, and older parent age; youth psychosocial QoL with greater friend and classmate support, and with less disengaged coping; and youth height-related QoL and parental perceptions of youth psychosocial QoL with greater classmate support. Youth self-esteem associated with greater classmate support and taller mid-parental height. Youth height was not associated with QoL or self-esteem outcomes in multivariable regression. CONCLUSIONS Perceived social support and coping skills, rather than height, were related to QoL and self-esteem in healthy short youth and may serve as an important potential area for clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adda Grimberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Elizabeth A Friedrich
- Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Walter Faig
- Department of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Camilia Kamoun
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Ettya R Fremont
- Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rui Xiao
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Victoria A Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
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Diaz-Thomas AM, Golden SH, Dabelea DM, Grimberg A, Magge SN, Safer JD, Shumer DE, Stanford FC. Endocrine Health and Health Care Disparities in the Pediatric and Sexual and Gender Minority Populations: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:1533-1584. [PMID: 37191578 PMCID: PMC10653187 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine care of pediatric and adult patients continues to be plagued by health and health care disparities that are perpetuated by the basic structures of our health systems and research modalities, as well as policies that impact access to care and social determinants of health. This scientific statement expands the Society's 2012 statement by focusing on endocrine disease disparities in the pediatric population and sexual and gender minority populations. These include pediatric and adult lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA) persons. The writing group focused on highly prevalent conditions-growth disorders, puberty, metabolic bone disease, type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes mellitus, prediabetes, and obesity. Several important findings emerged. Compared with females and non-White children, non-Hispanic White males are more likely to come to medical attention for short stature. Racially and ethnically diverse populations and males are underrepresented in studies of pubertal development and attainment of peak bone mass, with current norms based on European populations. Like adults, racial and ethnic minority youth suffer a higher burden of disease from obesity, T1D and T2D, and have less access to diabetes treatment technologies and bariatric surgery. LGBTQIA youth and adults also face discrimination and multiple barriers to endocrine care due to pathologizing sexual orientation and gender identity, lack of culturally competent care providers, and policies. Multilevel interventions to address these disparities are required. Inclusion of racial, ethnic, and LGBTQIA populations in longitudinal life course studies is needed to assess growth, puberty, and attainment of peak bone mass. Growth and development charts may need to be adapted to non-European populations. In addition, extension of these studies will be required to understand the clinical and physiologic consequences of interventions to address abnormal development in these populations. Health policies should be recrafted to remove barriers in care for children with obesity and/or diabetes and for LGBTQIA children and adults to facilitate comprehensive access to care, therapeutics, and technological advances. Public health interventions encompassing collection of accurate demographic and social needs data, including the intersection of social determinants of health with health outcomes, and enactment of population health level interventions will be essential tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Diaz-Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Sherita Hill Golden
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dana M Dabelea
- Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Adda Grimberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sheela N Magge
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Joshua D Safer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10001, USA
| | - Daniel E Shumer
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Fatima Cody Stanford
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Medicine-Division of Endocrinology-Neuroendocrine, Department of Pediatrics-Division of Endocrinology, Nutrition Obesity Research Center at Harvard (NORCH), Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Kamoun C, Miller VA, Feudtner C, Friedrich EA, Grimberg A. Views on Short Stature of Female Versus Male Endocrine Pediatric Patients Undergoing Provocative Growth Hormone Testing and Their Parents. Endocr Pract 2023:S1530-891X(23)00381-6. [PMID: 37088146 PMCID: PMC10330208 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Boys outnumber girls in short stature evaluations and growth hormone treatment despite absence of gender differences in short stature prevalence. Family views on short stature influence medical management, but gender-based analysis of these views is lacking. This study explored endocrine patients' and their parents' perceptions of short stature and its impact on quality of life by patient gender. METHODS Patients aged 8-14 years undergoing provocative growth hormone testing and one parent each completed semi-structured interviews. Clinical data were extracted by chart review. RESULTS 24 patient-parent dyads (6 female patients, 22 mothers; predominantly non-Hispanic White) participated. Six major themes emerged: 1) patients' perceptions of their short stature were similar by gender, 2) physical experiences of short stature were similar by gender, 3) social experiences of short stature were both similar and different by gender, 4) parental perceptions of short stature as a factor limiting their child's functionality were similar by gender, 5) concern about societal stigma related to short stature arose for both genders, and 6) patients' perceptions of parental messaging about the import of their short stature were similar by gender. CONCLUSION Our data reveal more similarities than differences between genders in patient perceptions and patient and parent-reported experiences of short stature. Worry about stature-related stigma was noted for patients of both genders. Parental messaging about short stature emerged as an important area to explore further by patient gender. Our findings suggest that clinicians should be wary of making gender or stigma-based assumptions when evaluating children with short stature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilia Kamoun
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Victoria A Miller
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Medical Ethics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia & Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Friedrich
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Adda Grimberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Chae HW, Hwang IT, Lee JE, So CH, Rhie YJ, Lim JS, Kwon EB, Yi KH, Kim EY, Jo CK, Shim KS, Gil HY, Seong MJ, Nam CM, Moon JS, Hwang JS. Height outcomes in Korean children with idiopathic short stature receiving growth hormone treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:925102. [PMID: 36157444 PMCID: PMC9490583 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.925102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Growth hormone (GH) therapy's capacity to increase height velocity and height at the end of the study in children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) is controversial. We aimed to investigate the height standard deviation score (SDS) and height velocity of patients with ISS in Korea who received GH treatment. Methods We retrospectively reviewed and performed linear mixed model and survival analyses on data from 12 tertiary hospitals in Korea, including subjects diagnosed with ISS from January 2009 to September 2019, treated with GH therapy for more than 6 months, and who were at a pre-pubertal state at the time of diagnosis. Results We included 578 children (330 boys and 248 girls). The mean daily dose of GH in this study was 0.051 mg/kg, which was lower than the approved dose in Korea of 0.062 - 0.067 mg/kg. Height SDS was higher in patients who started treatment before the age of 6 years. The probability of reaching the target SDS (-1 SDS) from the beginning of treatment to 2-3 years after its start was higher in children starting treatment before the age of 6 years. The hazard ratio to reach the target SDS (-1 SDS) when using automatic pen or electronic devices was 1.727 times higher than that when using the needle and syringe device. Conclusion ISS patients should start GH treatment at an early age, and even lower-than-recommended drug doses may be effective. The selection of automatic pen or electronic device can have a positive effect on reaching the target height SDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Wook Chae
- Department of Pediatrics, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Il-Tae Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Inha University Hospital, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Cheol Hwan So
- Department of Pediatrics, Wonkwang University Hospital, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
| | - Young-Jun Rhie
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Jung Sub Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Byul Kwon
- Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hwaseong-si, South Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Yi
- Department of Pediatrics, Wonkwang University Sanbon Medical Center, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Eun Young Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Chae-Ku Jo
- Department of Pediatrics, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Kye Shik Shim
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ha-Yeong Gil
- Medical Research Project Team, Internal Medicine (IM) Medical, Pfizer Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min-Jeong Seong
- Rare Disease, Medical Affairs, Pfizer Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chung Mo Nam
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Su Moon
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Soon Hwang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ajou University Hospital, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
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Clinical Practice Pattern of Korean Medicine Doctors in Idiopathic Short Stature Treatment: A Survey Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1505643. [PMID: 35990833 PMCID: PMC9385298 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1505643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Korean medicine (KM) interventions are attractive for children with idiopathic short stature (ISS). We investigated the real-world clinical practice patterns of KM doctors in ISS treatment. Methods The survey targeted KM doctors who have treated patients with ISS in KM clinical settings for >3 years. We included questions on the diagnosis and treatment patterns, effects, cost, and opinions of doctors on KM treatment for ISS. A frequency analysis was performed. Results There were 58 respondents, and “heights of parents” (n = 57, 98.3%), “height, weight, and growth rate of child” (n = 55, 94.8%), and “amount of meals, digestive function” (n = 52, 89.7%) were frequently used as indicators for diagnosis and treatment. The most frequently used KM interventions were “herbal medicine” (n = 58, 100%), “acupuncture” (n = 49, 84.5%), “moxibustion” (n = 38, 65.5%), “dry cupping” (n = 26, 44.8%), and “physiotherapy” (n = 22, 37.9%). Herbal medicines were generally prescribed to tonify the spleen or kidney, and the most frequently used individual herbs were Acanthopanacis cortex, Astragali Radix, and Cervi parvum cornu. The most common acupuncture points were ST36, GB34, SP6, EX-LE5, and LI4. Conclusions This study showed the use of KM for ISS in real-world clinical settings. In the future, well-designed clinical studies to verify the effect of KM treatment on ISS based on real-world clinical practice patterns should be actively performed.
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Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) is an injectable medication originally used to replace the deficiency of the hormone, but has expanded to treating conditions that may reduce growth and adult height even when the body maintains endogenous GH production. In the United States, there are 8 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved indications for pediatric GH therapy: GH deficiency, Prader-Willi Syndrome, small for gestational age (SGA) without catch-up growth, idiopathic short stature, Turner syndrome, SHOX gene haploinsufficiency, Noonan Syndrome, and chronic renal insufficiency. We characterize the growth patterns and effects of GH treatment in each of these indications. We also review patterns of growth that warrant referral to a pediatric endocrinologist, as well as safety updates. This review is intended to guide practitioners on the initial evaluation and management of patients with short stature, and the indications for GH therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Danowitz
- CHOP Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Abramson Building, Office 804F, 3401 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Adda Grimberg
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, The Hub for Clinical Collaboration, Division of Endocrinology, 7th floor, 3500 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Chinese herbal medicine for children with idiopathic short stature (ISS): A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270511. [PMID: 35749540 PMCID: PMC9232169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic short stature (ISS) describes a heterogeneous group of children of many unidentified causes of short stature presently without definitive therapy. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is an alternative and complementary treatment for children with ISS and has been widely used for ISS while the evidence of its effectiveness is controversial. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis in order to evaluate the efficacy of CHM for ISS. Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of science, Sino-Med, Cochrane, CNKI, VIP, and Wangfang Data were electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of CHM treatment of ISS from inception to May 2021. Two researchers independently scanned the literature and extracted information on general characteristics, including patient, study design, interventions, and side effects, assessing the CHM intervention’s efficacy and the risk of bias. Height, bone age, growth velocity, and IGF-1 level are the main consequences. Height standard deviations score (HtSDS), change in HtSDS (ΔHtSDS), osteocalcin, the peak level of growth hormones (GHP), and predicted adult height (PAH) are the secondary outcomes. Meta-analysis was then performed by using RevMan 5.3 (Cochrane Collaboration). Results Seven articles (569 participants) were included. The Meta-analysis indicated that herbal medicine was associated with increased height (MD 2.16 points; 95%CI, 0.22 to 4.10; P = 0.03), growth velocity (MD 1.47 points; 95%CI, 0.28 to 2.67; P = 0.02), IGF-1 level (MD 28.13 points; 95%CI, 22.80 to 33.46; P<0.00001) and GHP (MD 3.29 points; 95%CI, 1.54 to 5.04; P = 0.0002). Conclusion According to current research, CHM appears to be useful for children with ISS. Due to the limited quality and number of studies included, more high-quality studies are needed to corroborate the above conclusions.
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12
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Spurna Z, Capkova P, Srovnal J, Duchoslavova J, Punova L, Aleksijevic D, Vrtel R. Clinical impact of variants in non-coding regions of SHOX - Current knowledge. Gene 2022; 818:146238. [PMID: 35074420 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The short stature homeobox-containing (SHOX) is the most frequently analysed gene in patients classified as short stature patients (ISS) or diagnosed with Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD), Langer mesomelic dysplasia (LMD), or Madelung deformity (MD). However, clinical testing of this gene focuses primarily on single nucleotide variants (SNV) in its coding sequences and copy number variants (CNV) overlapping SHOX gene. This review summarizes the clinical impact of variants in noncoding regions of SHOX. RECENT FINDINGS: CNV extending exclusively into the regulatory elements (i.e., not interrupting the coding sequence) are found more frequently in downstream regulatory elements of SHOX. Further, duplications are more frequent than deletions. Interestingly, downstream duplications are more common than deletions in patients with ISS or LWD but no such differences exist for upstream CNV. Moreover, the presence of specific CNVs in the patient population suggests the involvement of additional unknown factors. Some of its intronic variants, notably NM_000451.3(SHOX):c.-9delG and c.-65C>A in the 5'UTR, have unclear clinical roles. However, these intronic SNV may increase the probability that other CNV will arise de novo in the SHOX gene based on homologous recombination or incorrect splicing of mRNA. SUMMARY: This review highlights the clinical impact of noncoding changes in the SHOX gene and the need to apply new technologies and genotype-phenotype correlation in their analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Spurna
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavlina Capkova
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Srovnal
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Duchoslavova
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Punova
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Darina Aleksijevic
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Vrtel
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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13
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Lee B, Kwon CY, Jang S. Comparative effectiveness of East Asian traditional medicine for treatment of idiopathic short stature in children: systematic review and network meta-analysis. Integr Med Res 2022; 11:100832. [PMID: 35145854 PMCID: PMC8801998 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2022.100832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic short stature (ISS) is a common problem in children and causes many economic and social burdens. In Asian countries, East Asian traditional medicine (EATM) therapies are widely used for children with ISS. In this study, we compared and ranked various EATM therapies for the treatment of pediatric ISS using network meta-analysis. Methods Randomized controlled trials that evaluated various EATMs for pediatric ISS were found through searching 14 electronic databases. The primary outcome was growth velocity (GV). The comparative effectiveness of the treatments was ranked based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) and the risk of bias was assessed. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach. Results Fourteen studies comprising 1,066 participants were included. HM plus GH showed statistically significant superiority over other EATM therapies including acupuncture (weighted mean difference (WMD) 3.20 cm, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 5.99) and HM (WMD 3.70 cm, 95% CI 1.41 to 5.99) for improving GV per year, although there was no difference compared with GH alone (WMD 1.18 cm, 95% CI -0.27 to 2.63). SUCRA indicated that HM plus GH was the most effective therapy for increasing GV, followed by GH, HM plus acupressure, and HM. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion For the treatment of ISS, HM plus GH might have a large beneficial effect and might be a better option than EATM therapies and GH alone. However, more long-term, high-quality trials are warranted to confirm the findings. Protocol registration PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/), CRD42020187160.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boram Lee
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
- Corresponding author at: KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 1672 Yuseong-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, South Korea.
| | - Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Soobin Jang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
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14
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Hawkes CP, Gunturi H, Dauber A, Hirschhorn JN, Grimberg A. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Investigation and Treatment of Growth Hormone Deficiency. J Pediatr 2021; 236:238-245. [PMID: 33901521 PMCID: PMC8403139 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if the racial/ethnic inequity in growth hormone (GH) use is due to differences in GH stimulation testing and/or prescribing patterns in children referred for endocrine evaluation of short stature. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective chart review was performed including children aged 2-16 years, height z-score of ≤-1.5, and of non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), or Hispanic race/ethnicity, referred for endocrine growth evaluation between January 2012 and December 2019. RESULTS This study included 7425 children (5905 NHW, 800 NHB, and 720 Hispanic). GH stimulation testing was performed in 992, and 576 were prescribed GH. NHW children were 1.4 (95% CI, 1.04-1.8) times more likely than NHB children and 1.7 (95% CI, 1.2-2.2) times more likely than Hispanic children to undergo GH stimulation testing. GH-treated NHB children had (1) a lower median peak GH concentration when compared with NHW (P = .02) and Hispanic (P = .08) children (NHB 4.7 ng/mL [95% CI, 1.2-8.3 ng/mL] ng/mL, NHW 7.2 ng/mL [95% CI, 4.9-9.7 ng/mL], Hispanic 7.1 ng/mL [95% CI, 4.3-11.9 ng/mL]); (2) lower median height z-scores than NHW (P = .01) but not Hispanic children (P = .5); and (3) a greater height deficit from midparental height when compared with NHW (P = .01) and Hispanic (P = .002) children. CONCLUSIONS Racial and ethnic disparities exist in the evaluation and treatment of children with disordered growth. This likely results from both overinvestigation of NHW children as well as underinvestigation and undertreatment of children from minority communities. The evaluation and treatment of children with short stature should be determined by clinical concern alone, but this is not current practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin P Hawkes
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA; Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
| | - Hareesh Gunturi
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrew Dauber
- Division of Endocrinology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Joel N Hirschhorn
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adda Grimberg
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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15
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Malozowski S, Lightbourne M. Growth Hormone Use in Childhood and Adult Cardiovascular Disease. JAMA Pediatr 2021; 175:645-646. [PMID: 33779720 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.0238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saul Malozowski
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Marissa Lightbourne
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland
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16
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Grimberg A. Cardiovascular Disease in Former Pediatric Recipients of Growth Hormone: Another Look at Growth Hormone Safety. JAMA Pediatr 2021; 175:e205232. [PMID: 33346801 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.5232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adda Grimberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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17
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Kamoun C, Hawkes CP, Gunturi H, Dauber A, Hirschhorn JN, Grimberg A. Growth Hormone Stimulation Testing Patterns Contribute to Sex Differences in Pediatric Growth Hormone Treatment. Horm Res Paediatr 2021; 94:353-363. [PMID: 34662877 PMCID: PMC8821324 DOI: 10.1159/000520250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Males are twice as likely as females to receive pediatric growth hormone (GH) treatment in the USA, despite similar distributions of height z (HtZ)-scores in both sexes. Male predominance in evaluation and subspecialty referral for short stature contributes to this observation. This study investigates whether sex differences in GH stimulation testing and subsequent GH prescription further contribute to male predominance in GH treatment. METHODS Retrospective chart review was conducted of all individuals, aged 2-16 years, evaluated for short stature or poor growth at a single large tertiary referral center between 2012 and 2019. Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to analyze sex differences. RESULTS Of 10,125 children referred for evaluation, a smaller proportion were female (35%). More males (13.1%) than females (10.6%) underwent GH stimulation testing (p < 0.001) and did so at heights closer to average (median HtZ-score -2.2 [interquartile range, IQR -2.6, -1.8] vs. -2.5 [IQR -3.0, -2.0], respectively; p < 0.001). The proportion of GH prescriptions by sex was similar by stimulated peak GH level. Predictor variables in regression modeling differed by sex: commercial insurance predicted GH stimulation testing and GH prescription for males only, whereas lower HtZ-score predicted GH prescription for females only. CONCLUSIONS Sex differences in rates of GH stimulation testing but not subsequent GH prescription based on response to GH stimulation testing seem to contribute to male predominance in pediatric GH treatment. That HtZ-score predicted GH prescription in females but not males raises questions about the extent to which sex bias - from children, parents, and/or physicians - as opposed to objective growth data, influence medical decision-making in the evaluation and treatment of short stature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilia Kamoun
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children’s
Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Colin Patrick Hawkes
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children’s
Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, PA, USA,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University
College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Hareesh Gunturi
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics,
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrew Dauber
- Division of Endocrinology, Children’s National
Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA,Department of Pediatrics George Washington University
School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Joel N Hirschhorn
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s
Hospital, Boston, MA, USA,Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adda Grimberg
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children’s
Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, PA, USA,Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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18
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Ben-Ari T, Chodick G, Shalev V, Goldstein D, Gomez R, Landau Z. Real-World Treatment Patterns and Outcomes of Growth Hormone Treatment Among Children in Israel Over the Past Decade (2004-2015). Front Pediatr 2021; 9:711979. [PMID: 34490167 PMCID: PMC8418062 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.711979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To assess a decade of growth hormone (GH) treatment patterns and outcomes in a real-world setting in Israel using a state-of-the-art computerized database. Methods: This large retrospective database study included 2,379 children initiating GH treatment in Maccabi Healthcare Services (between January 2004 and December 2014). Good adherence with therapy (proportion of days covered >80%) was assessed during follow-up. Results: At GH treatment initiation: 62.1% were boys; height standard deviation score (SDS) was -2.36 ± 0.65 (mean ± SD); age was 9.8 ± 3.1 years; and time from short stature diagnosis to first GH purchase was 4.8 ± 3.3 years. Mean treatment period was 3.5 ± 0.95 years; 79.4% of children were treated for more than 3 years. The two main indications for GH therapy were idiopathic short stature (ISS) (n = 1,615, 67.9%) and GH deficiency (GHD) (n = 611, 25.7%). Children in the highest socio-economic-status (SES) tertile comprised 61.3% of ISS and 59.7% of GHD. After 3 years, mean height gain SDS was 1.09 ± 0.91 for GHD and 0.96 ± 0.57 for ISS (p = 0.0004). Adult height (age 15 for girls and 17 for boys) was recorded for 624 patients (26.2%) with better outcomes for GHD than ISS (-1.0±0.82 vs. -1.28±0.93, respectively; p = 0.0002). Good adherence was achieved in 78.2% of the cohort during the first year and declined thereafter to 68.1% during the third year of the treatment. Conclusions: Children who initiate GH therapy are predominantly male, belong mainly to the upper SES, commence treatment a long period after initial recognition of short stature, and have suboptimal adherence. Appropriate referral, diagnosis, and follow-up care may result in better treatment outcomes with GH therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Ben-Ari
- MaccabiTech, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | | | - Varda Shalev
- MaccabiTech, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Roy Gomez
- Global Medical Affairs, Pfizer Rare Disease, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Zohar Landau
- MaccabiTech, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Pediatric Division, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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19
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Lee B, Kwon CY, Jang S. Comparative effectiveness of East Asian traditional medicine for treatment of idiopathic short stature in children: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22856. [PMID: 33120823 PMCID: PMC7581126 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are many East Asian traditional medicine (EATM) therapies that are widely used and effective for idiopathic short stature (ISS) in children. However, the comparative effectiveness of these therapies remains unclear. We describe the methods that will be used to comparatively evaluate the efficacy and safety of EATM therapies for the treatment of pediatric ISS. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Fourteen electronic English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese databases will be searched up to August 2020 for relevant randomized controlled trials of various EATMs for the treatment of pediatric ISS, without language or publication status restrictions. The primary outcome will be growth-related anthropometric indicators, and acceptability, measured through drop-outs that occur during treatment for any reason. We will conduct a pairwise meta-analysis for direct comparisons if multiple studies use the same types of intervention, comparison, and outcome measure. A frequentist network meta-analysis will be performed to summarize the available direct and indirect evidence regarding various EATM options for pediatric ISS. The risk of bias for the included studies will be evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review will provide evidence for the comparative effectiveness and ranks of current EATMs and help to inform clinical practitioners, patients, and policy makers in decision making. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required because individual patient data are not included. The findings of this systematic review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication or conference presentations. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER OSF (URL: https://osf.io/s4vp7), PROSPERO CRD42020187160.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boram Lee
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon
| | - Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busanjin-gu, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Soobin Jang
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon
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20
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Li S, Wang X, Zhao Y, Ji W, Mao J, Nie M, Wu X. Combined therapy with GnRH analogue and growth hormone increases adult height in children with short stature and normal pubertal onset. Endocrine 2020; 69:615-624. [PMID: 32533506 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02375-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) combined with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) can improve the adult height (AHt) of children with short stature and normal pubertal onset. METHODS In this retrospective study, GnRHa/rhGH treatment was given to children with normal pubertal onset and short stature. Patients were followed up to measure their AHt. The primary outcomes were the disparity between AHt standard deviation score (AHt SDS) and pre-treatment height standard deviation score (Ht SDS) and the disparity between AHt and target height (THt). RESULTS A total of 94 patients were included. Forty-nine boys were treated with GnRHa/rhGH for 24.84 ± 13.01 months, and 45 girls were treated for 23.89 ± 10.43 months. (2) Before treatment, the Ht SDS of boys and girls was -1.82 ± 1.30 and -1.10 ± 1.61, respectively, and the target height was 168.98 ± 3.51 cm and 157.90 ± 3.25 cm, respectively. (3) After treatment, for boys, the AHt SDS increased by 1.37 ± 1.28 (p = 0.000) and the disparity between AHt and THt was 0.98 ± 6.18 cm (p = 0.273); for girls, the AHtSDS increased by 1.28 ± 1.48 (p = 0.000), and the disparity between AHt and THt was 3.64 ± 4.86 cm (n = 45, p = 0.000). (4) Subgroup analysis showed that, for boys with idiopathic short stature (ISS) and non-ISS, AHt SDS increased by 2.00 ± 1.16 (p = 0.000) and 0.71 ± 1.06 (p = 0.003) respectively, compared with the pre-treatment HtSDS; The disparities between AHt and THt were -0.70 ± 6.54 cm and 2.73 ± 5.37 cm respectively. For girls with ISS and non-ISS, AHtSDS increased by 2.73 ± 1.21 (p = 0.000) and 0.748 ± 1.19 (p = 0.001), respectively; AHt increased by 2.63 ± 6.12 cm (p = 0.165) and 4.02 ± 4.37 cm (p = 0.000) compared with THt, respectively. (5) Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the baseline bone age (BA) (β = -0.200, p = 0.003), basal IGF-1(β = -0.002, p = 0.008) and HtSDS (β = -0.679, p = 0.000) had negative effects on increment of AHtSDS. CONCLUSION For adolescents with normal pubertal onset and short stature, with or without ISS, GnRHa/rhGH therapy can effectively improve AHtSDS. After treatment, ISS adolescents can reach the THts, and Non-ISS adolescents can exceed their THts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuying Li
- Division of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yaling Zhao
- Division of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wen Ji
- Division of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jiangfeng Mao
- Division of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Min Nie
- Division of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xueyan Wu
- Division of Endocrinology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China.
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21
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Halas JG, Grimberg A. Dilemmas of growth hormone treatment for GH deficiency and idiopathic short stature: defining, distinguishing, and deciding. Minerva Pediatr 2020; 72:206-225. [PMID: 32274914 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4946.20.05821-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Worrisome growth can be a sign of underlying pathology but usually reflects healthy variation. It is often recognized through short stature, which is defined by arbitrarily separating height, a physical trait on a continuum, into "normal" and "abnormal." In some cases of worrisome growth, recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment is indicated to hasten growth/increase height. This review addresses the two most frequently treated indications for rhGH, growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS). A review of worrisome growth itself, of the history of GH treatment, of the blurry line between partial GHD and ISS, of the GH stakeholders, and of the outside pressures involved in these cases demonstrates the ambiguous platform upon which treatment decisions are made. The rhGH treatment decision process can be examined further by considering the three most impactful factors on parental height-related medical decision-making: treatment characteristics, child health, and psychosocial function. While it is important to note that treatment for classical GHD is uncontroversial and supported, treatment decisions for partial GHD and ISS are more complicated and require careful evaluation of both patient needs and the supporting evidence. As the rhGH community grows, physicians, parents, and patients are encouraged to engage in a shared decision-making process to navigate the many challenges facing the GH field. Although this review addresses GHD and ISS specifically, the issues discussed are often applicable to pediatrics as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia G Halas
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adda Grimberg
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA -
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22
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Hitt T, Ginsburg KR, Cousounis P, Lipman TH, Cucchiara AJ, Stallings VA, Grimberg A. Concerns and Expectations of Parents Seeking Subspecialist Care for Their Child's Short Stature. Horm Res Paediatr 2019; 92:311-318. [PMID: 32229729 PMCID: PMC7196322 DOI: 10.1159/000506739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parents (PP) of children in primary care clinics previously reported factors influencing their height-related medical decision making. However, patients seeking height-related care in endocrine subspecialty clinics and their parents (EP) differ demographically from the general population. OBJECTIVE To determine EP height-related medical concerns and expectations, and to compare between EP and PP. METHODS EP completed a survey assessing their concerns in seeking medical care for their child's height with identical questions previously asked of PP and two additional questions about growth hormone (GH) treatment. RESULTS A greater proportion of the 166 EP (80% response rate) than the 1,820 PP (83% response rate) previously surveyed was Caucasian (75% EP, 41% PP) and privately insured (80% EP, 58% PP). Both groups rated treatment efficacy and risks most as having a bigor extreme impact on decision making (65% EP, 58% PP). The second most rated concern for EP was comparison of child's height to peers or growth chart (60% EP, 32% PP) versus child's health for PP (54% EP, 56% PP). Of the 166 EP surveyed, 76% rated GH treatment as potentially improving quality of life (QoL), with 88% reporting a minimum 3-inch height increase as necessary to improve QoL. CONCLUSIONS Height comparisons were more likely to impact EP than PP in seeking height-related medical care for their children. EP had high expectations of QoL improvement with GH treatment, which are unlikely to be met with treatment of idiopathic short stature. Thus, clinicians should be prepared to support families in other ways that promote positive development in children with short stature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia Hitt
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, .,Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,
| | - Kenneth R Ginsburg
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States,Craig-Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Pamela Cousounis
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Terri H Lipman
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Andrew J Cucchiara
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States,Center for Human Phenomic Science and Center for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Virginia A. Stallings
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adda Grimberg
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States,Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
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