Long-term use of recombinant human growth hormone in pediatric allograft recipients: a report of the NAPRTCS Transplant Registry.

Data from the NAPRTCS database were analyzed for growth, allograft function, and targeted adverse events (AE) over a 5-year period in 513 recipients who received recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment and compared with the outcome of 2,263 concurrent controls who did not receive rhGH. Recipients less than 10 years of age grew better than older recipients. Final adult height was superior in the rhGH-treated group compared with the control group. Allograft function and graft failure rate was similar in the rhGH-treated and control groups. No increased incidence of AE was noted in the rhGH-treated group. rhGH is effective and safe for use in growth-retarded pediatric renal allograft recipients.