Bone mineral content and bone mineral metabolism: changes after growth hormone treatment in juvenile chronic arthritis.

Abstract

Steroid treated children with both JCA and severe growth retardation have reduced vitamin D, PTH, and osteocalcin levels. After treatment with rhGH, height velocity increased, as did BMC. Growth hormone might be a useful adjunct in the treatment of severe growth retardation and osteoporosis in children with JCA. The longterm benefits of rhGH in the treatment of osteoporosis remain unclear.