Physician decisions to discontinue long-term medications using a two-stage framework: the case of growth hormone therapy.

Background: Physician decisions to discontinue prescription medications for chronic conditions are fundamental determinants of drug use but have been inadequately studied. The decision to stop growth hormone (GH) therapy is an important example because of high cost (approximately $26,000/y for a 48-kg child), complexity of treatment options, and expansion of patient populations.

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the factors that influence physician recommendations in the process of discontinuing therapy.

Growth hormone therapy and quality of life in adults and children.

A fundamental goal of growth hormone (GH) treatment for both adults and children is improvement in quality of life (QOL). Assessments of the therapeutic role of GH depend on its effectiveness in meeting this and other goals (including improved metabolic status in adults and improved growth in children) in relation to economic parameters. However, there are difficulties in interpreting data on GH treatment and QOL.

Effect of growth hormone therapy on height in children with idiopathic short stature: a meta-analysis.

Context: Use of growth hormone (GH) therapy to promote growth in children with idiopathic short stature is controversial. A fundamental issue underlying the controversy is uncertainty about the magnitude of effectiveness of GH for this condition.

Objective: To determine the effect of GH on short- and long-term growth in idiopathic short stature.