Therapeutic effects of growth hormone combined with low‐dose stanozolol on growth velocity and final height of girls with Turner syndrome

SummaryObjective Turner syndrome (TS), which is characterized by short stature and gonadal dysfunction, is managed by pharmacotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) combined with low-dose stanozolol on the growth and final adult height (FAH) of girls with Turner syndrome (TS). Design Prospective study. Patients A total of 44 girls with TS were treated with rhGH (47·6–52·4 μg/kg/day) and low-dose stanozolol (20–35 μg/kg/day), starting at a mean age of 12·65 ± 1·99 year. The control group consisted of 22 girls with TS, who did not receive treatment. Measurements Subjects’ growth velocity (GV) was investigated. Height standard deviation score (HtSDS) was calculated relative to healthy Chinese girls (HtSDSNor) as well as untreated Chinese girls with TS (HtSDSTS). Post-treatment follow-up was performed until the subjects achieved FAH or near FAH. Results FAH was significantly higher in subjects receiving treatment compared to the untreated controls (151·42 vs 137·75 cm, P < 0·001). GV was significantly higher in the first to fourth years of treatment compared to baseline values (P < 0·001); it was significantly lower in the second to fourth years of treatment compared to the first year (P < 0·001). Conclusions In girls with TS, 9–12 years of age, rhGH combined with low-dose stanozolol may effectively increase growth. At least a 2-year course of this treatment may effectively improve FAH with proper delay of oestrogen-induced development.