Safety and efficacy of growth hormone therapy in childhood.

Growth hormone (GH) has been used for more than 40 years. GH improves height velocity in many conditions associated with impaired growth and corrects metabolic deficits attributable to GH deficiency (GHD). Many studies and surveillance programs exist to collect efficacy and safety data. GH has been demonstrated to have a relatively wide safety margin. Reported side effects, including pseudotumor cerebri, edema, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), worsening of scoliosis, gynecomastia, and hyperglycemia require careful monitoring. Currently, there are no data suggesting that GH therapy increases the risk of developing de novo, recurrent, or secondary malignancies. Patients who have a high intrinsic risk factor for the development of an adverse event need more vigilant surveillance.