Re: More on the Slow Growth Topic...................
1/21/02 6:17 PM
First of all I would change his scheduling of Cortef. Studies show that Cortef given at 3:00am, 10:00am and 4pm (or there abouts) work more effectively in suppressing the hormones. Because this schedule is more effective the amount of Cortef needed is lowered, thereby lowering the cushing side effects (one being short stature). Also, by giving the largest dose at 3:00am instead of at bedtime, the growth hormone is not interfered with. I can email you the letter I just sent to my daughter's endo proposing this schedule. I included quotes and research papers to back this. From what I've read it's been conflicting information on if the height can be made up. On one hand, lower bone age is thought to be better than higher bone age and supposedly able to be made up a little. On the other hand, the first 2 years (some papers say 4 years) are when the child is doing a huge amount of growing and new studies indicate that this cannot be caught up with as easily as previously thought. Has he been oversuppressed? What is his height and weight? Cortef schedule and dose? This angers me too, as my daughter is also very small. The current treatment for CAH is unacceptable! This is why I am wanting a time released hydrocortisone. Why should our children not achieve their full height potential, and suffer the side effects of being on more hydrocortisone than is truly needed to suppressed the androgens??!! Why should parents and children have there deep sleep interrupted at 3:00am if we want better treatment for them? ERRRRR! My daughter is only 21 months so I do not have any experience directly knowing if this height can be made up. I'm sure others can help you. Good luck.
Julia S
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