Efficacy of different measures of long-acting growth hormone in treating children with short stature

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of long-acting growth hormone (GH) therapy at different doses in children with short stature and to explore its correlation with thyroid function indicators. A total of 192 children with short stature were enrolled and divided into three groups according to the treatment regimen. Group A received short-acting GH (daily injection), Group B received low-dose long-acting GH (weekly injection), and Group C received high-dose long-acting GH (weekly injection). Growth velocity (GV), serum bone formation markers (BAP, OC, NT-proCNP), metabolic indicators (FBG, IGF-1, IGF-1/BP3), thyroid hormones (TSH, FT3, FT4), adverse reactions, and treatment adherence were assessed at 3 and 6 months. After treatment, Groups B and C showed significantly greater GV, BAP, OC, NT-proCNP, and IGF-1 levels than Group A (p < 0.05). Group C exhibited the highest GV, bone metabolism markers, and IGF-1/IGF-1BP3 ratios among the three groups (p < 0.05). Treatment adherence in Groups B and C also exceeded that in Group (p < 0.05). Long-acting GH demonstrates superior efficacy and compliance compared with short-acting GH in children with short stature, particularly at higher doses.