Systemic Reaction to Human Growth Hormone Treated With Acute Desensitization

Abstract

Recombinant DNA technology has led to increased production and widespread use of recombinant growth hormone. Systemic allergic reactions to recombinant growth hormone such as urticaria, angioedema, or anaphylaxis have not been described in the literature. We report a patient who developed generalized urticaria from recombinant human growth hormone (Humatrope, Eli Lilly and Company) in whom we successfully desensitized to growth hormone using a protocol modified from an insulin desensitization schedule.1 CASE REPORT A 12-year-old girl with hypopituitarism and short stature had been treated with 2 mg to 5 mg of Humatrope (depending on her weight and responsiveness to treatment) intramuscularly 6 days a week for 3 years without any problems.