Abstract

Background

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children results in short stature and impaired bone health. While daily growth hormone (GH) injections are effective, they are associated with adherence challenges. Somatrogon, a long-acting recombinant human GH, allows weekly administration, potentially improving treatment compliance.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 39 prepubertal children with GHD treated with weekly Somatrogon at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, Dubai. Diagnosis was based on clinical, biochemical, and radiological criteria, including height standard deviation score (SDS) < –2.0, subnormal growth velocity, and subnormal peak GH in one stimulation test (<10 ng/mL) supported by low IGF-1 and/or abnormal MRI. Growth outcomes and bone health indices were assessed over 12 months using auxology, IGF-1 levels, and BoneXpert-derived Bone Health Index (BHI) SDS and Metacarpal Index (MCI) SDS.

Results

After 12 months of therapy, mean height SDS improved significantly from –2.16 ± 0.80 to –1.65 ± 0.71 (p < 0.001). IGF-1 SDS rose from –1.38 ± 1.02 to 0.88 ± 1.57 (p < 0.001). Adult predicted height and BHI SDS also improved significantly (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). No significant changes were observed in bone age SDS or MCI SDS.

Conclusions

Weekly Somatrogon significantly improved linear growth, IGF-1 levels, and cortical bone health without advancing bone age in children with GHD. These findings support the efficacy of long-acting GH therapy and its potential to optimize growth and skeletal outcomes in clinical practice.