Treatment interruption in small for age term-born children

Abstract

Small-for-gestational-age children have been associated with up to 20% delayed growth and delayed development, increased childhood morbimortality, and poor quality of life. Prepubertal growth hormone administration results in increased growth and musculoskeletal development. The present case report illustrates the negative impact of growth hormone disruption in a 6-year-old patient, resulting in impaired growth and development. Close clinical and laboratory monitoring is recommended for small-for-gestational-age children receiving growth hormone treatment, and family counselling should be encouraged.