Effects of long-term treatment with recombinant growth hormone on growth outcome in children born small for gestational age: a systematic review.

Children born small for gestational age (SGA) are defined as those having birth weight and/or length below -2 SD for gestational age. In approximately 90% of cases, SGA children experience catch-up growth in the first two years of life and a subsequent regular growth rate, reaching normal adult height. However, in the remaining 10% of cases, SGA children fail to have catch-up growth, showing persistent short stature and a constantly impaired growth rate, leading to decreased adult height compared with both general population and their mid-parental height.

Metabolic and Growth Outcome of Two-year Growth Hormone Treatment in Children Born Small for Gestational Age: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Children born Small for Gestational Age (SGA) without early catch-up growth may show impaired growth rate, adult height, and metabolic profile [1]. Growth Hormone (GH) is recommended for their treatment, and it has been shown to have positive effects on growth and metabolic profile and good tolerability [2].

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the auxological and metabolic effects and safety of GH treatment in SGA children.

Auxological and metabolic effects of long-term treatment with recombinant growth hormone in children born small for gestational age: a retrospective study.

Rationale: Children born small for gestational age (SGA) not showing catch-up during the first two years of life reportedly show an impaired growth rate and adult height, as well as a worse metabolic outcome, mainly in terms of glycemic and lipid profile, compared to general population. In SGA children with short stature, treatment with recombinant growth hormone (GH) is currently recommended until adolescence; therefore, it may last long-term.

Study Methods: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the auxological and metabolic effects and the safety of long-term recombinant GH treatment in SGA children.

Co-occurrence of Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1B: coincidence or common molecular mechanism?

Imprinting disorders are congenital diseases caused by dysregulation of genomic imprinting, affecting growth, neurocognitive development, metabolism and cancer predisposition. Overlapping clinical features are often observed among this group of diseases. In rare cases, two fully expressed imprinting disorders may coexist in the same patient.

Growth alterations in rare forms of primary adrenal insufficiency: a neglected issue in paediatric endocrinology.

Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is an endocrine disorder characterized by direct adrenal failure with consequent glucocorticoid, and eventually mineralocorticoid, deficiency. In children, the main cause of PAI is congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), due to a loss of function of adrenal steroidogenic enzymes, but also rarer forms, including autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, adrenoleucodistrophy, adrenal hypoplasia congenita, familial glucocorticoid deficiency, and Allgrove's Syndrome, may be observed. In PAI children, growth alterations represent a major issue, as both inadequate and excessive glucocorticoid replacement treatment may lead to reduced growth rate and adult height impairment.

Recurrent abdominal pain in children: underlying pathologies in the absence of "alarm" symptoms.

Background: Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a common disorder in childhood. However, it is not clear what the incidence of organic disease is, in the absence of "alarm" symptoms or signs. The aim of this study was to clarify if the performance of diagnostic tests can be useful in revealing underlying organic disorders.

Evaluation of Helicobacter Pylori eradication in pediatric patients by triple therapy plus lactoferrin and probiotics compared to triple therapy alone.

Background: To evaluate whether the addition of a probiotic could improve Helicobacter pylori (H.P.) eradication rates and reduce the side effects of treatment in children.