Effect of the long-acting somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 on growth rate and reduction of predicted adult height in ten tall adolescents.

Ten adolescents (four boys and six girls) aged 11.5 to 17 years, presenting with constitutionally tall stature were treated with twice daily subcutaneous injections of 250 micrograms of SMS 201-995 (Sandostatin). Results are reported after 6 and 12 months of therapy. Reduction of growth rate was obtained in 9 patients and correlated with the reduction of 24-hour growth hormone pulsatility and with the decrease of plasma Somatomedin-C values. Moreover, acceleration of bone maturation on SMS 201-995 therapy occurred in seven patients, and mean bone age increased from 13.3 years to 14.5 and 15.8 years after 6 and 12 months of SMS therapy. The mean reduction of predicted adult height was 4.9 cm at the last evaluation after 6 or 12 months of therapy. The dual effect of SMS 201-995 on growth rate and bone maturation suggests that it may be an alternative treatment to reduce adult height.