The physical, psychological, educational and professional conditions of young adults given growth hormone for childhood growth hormone deficit.

Twenty five of the 75 patients having been given human growth hormone in the Pediatric Nancy Endocrinological Division have reach final adult height. All have been treated the same way, 10 boys and 4 girls were diagnosed as isolated deficit, 7 boys and 4 girls as combined deficit. The physical, sexual, radiological, intellectual, professional and psychological characteristics have been defined either during the treatment follow-up or at a final interview. All results have been compared to the familial conditions if possible. Final adult statures are in the low range of the normal (-2 DS). The sexual development, normal for patients with isolated deficit, has not been achieved completely by regular protocol for patients with combined deficit. The intellectual and professional achievements are rather low but this has to be matched with below the normal familial conditions. Psychological determination is quite satisfactory but the personality is dominated by shyness and lack of responsibility. It is likely that an earlier onset of treatment and a better psychological guidance may lead to a better final results judged both on physical grounds but also on psychological and professional conditions.