What is the status of research on use of the growth hormone for children with Down syndrome?
Use of growth hormone for children with Down syndrome is still in experimental stages. There are reports of increased rates of growth in children with Down syndrome who received the hormone for a brief period; however, these reports were not controlled studies, so there is no scientific evidence that long-term administration of the hormone would increase final height. To date, there is no convincing evidence that head circumference or mental functioning is improved by the use of growth hormone. Can any growth hormone be administered to any Down syndrome child? At present, doctors are licensed to prescribe growth hormone for individuals with Down syndrome only when there is a demonstrated deficiency of that hormone. It is strongly advised that such treatment be obtained only through a clinical trial until long-term benefits are demonstrated.
