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Article: Growth hormone therapy often needed into 20s.(Endocrinology)(Clinical report)
- Article from:
- Internal Medicine News
- Article date:
- August 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 International Medical News Group. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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BOSTON -- To maintain skeletal health and reach optimal bone development, patients with childhood-onset growth hormone deficiency should continue therapy as they approach young adulthood, according to new treatment guidelines that have been issued by The Endocrine Society.
"The mindset in the past has been that you treat these children until they stop growing," Dr. Mark Molitch said at the society's annual meeting. "But the bones don't mature until the mid-20s, so they may still need the hormone as they transition into adulthood."
In addition, he said, skeletal maturity may occur more slowly in patients with delayed onset of puberty or decreased ...