Comparison of Final Heights of Growth Hormone-Treated Vs. Untreated Children with Idiopathic Growth Failure

We measured adult heights (Ht) of 94 healthy GH-sufficient children (peak GH > 10 ng/mL, polyclonal RIA) whose Ht at presentation were more than 2 sd below the mean for chronological age, with normal weight-to-Ht ratios, normal body proportions, and pathologic growth velocity for chronological age. Group 1 (n = 36, 6 females) received standardized doses (0.3 mg/kg·week) of GH (mean duration = 41 months), while group 2 (n = 58, 17 females) received no treatment.