Ethical Issues in Growth Hormone Therapy

Abstract

Growth hormone therapy for short children who do not meet the classic criteria for growth hormone deficiency should be evaluated from the perspective of cultural values, not biologic norms of health. Physicians can weigh the ethical acceptability of new growth hormone therapies by comparing them with pediatric treatments for non-life-threatening problems, such as preventive well-child care, treatment for psychosocial problems, cosmetic therapy, and invasive outpatient therapy for chronic conditions. An analysis of the risks and benefits of growth hormone therapy and their implications for child health policy suggests that routine growth hormone therapy for children without documented deficiency of growth hormone secretion is properly administered within a comprehensive clinical research protocol and remains outside current pediatric ethical norms. (KIE abstract)