Mark A. Sperling, MD

Treatment with growth hormone is an established option for children with short stature due to a variety of causes. Approved indications include documented GH deficiency (GHD), Turner’s syndrome, Noonan’s syndrome, renal failure, intrauterine growth retardation, idiopathic short stature and, in selected cases, Prader-Willi syndrome. Improved growth velocity is a requirement for use in these entities; documented growth improvement varies from satisfactory to significant and sometimes spectacular. Guidelines for dosage use depend in part on the indication and in part on the growth response achieved.

The recent announcement that the new Dexcom STS continuous glucose monitor has been approved by the FDA is another landmark in the progress of this field and its application to treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus. A brief overview of the past, present and future applications of this technology is in order.

Mark A. Sperling