Until recently, the only source of human growth hormone was the pituitary glands of deceased people, obtained at autopsy. In April 1985, pituitary-derived growth hormone was removed from distribution in the United States and many foreign countries following the deaths of several young adults from a very rare viral disease that may have been transmitted through the pituitary growth hormone they had received many years earlier. Fortunately, the first biosynthetic growth hormone, which is produced using recombinant DNA technology, was in the final stages of testing and was approved as safe and effective for use in growth hormone deficient children by the Food and Drug Administration in October 1985. Because this type of growth hormone does not come from human beings, there is little possibility that human diseases can be transmitted through it. Biosynthetic growth hormone is supplied as a powder in sterile vials. Parents and children are taught how to mix the powder into a solution and administer the injections. Treatment is continued as long as potential for growth exists and the child is responding to therapy. With early diagnosis and a good response to treatment, children with growth hormone deficiency can expect to reach normal adult height.…
