Growth hormone normalizes pubertal onset in children with cystic fibrosis

Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a high incidence of delayed puberty and poor growth. We retrospectively reviewed pubertal maturation data from 105 children with CF who had participated in studies on growth hormone (GH). As part of the GH study, participants were randomized into two cohorts, one of which was treated with GH for 1 year, and then followed off GH, and the other group was first followed off GH, and then treated with GH for 1 year. Pubertal staging was obtained throughout these studies and we have retrospectively analyzed the data. RESULTS: In prepubertal females, GH treatment resulted in a normalized onset of breast development as compared to delayed onset in non-treated females. Females treated during puberty had a normal tempo of breast development. In prepubertal males, GH treatment resulted in a normalized onset of testicular volume compared to non-treated males. Testicular size progression was not accelerated in pubertal boys treated with GH. CONCLUSION: GH treatment normalizes pubertal onset in prepubertal children with CF.