Download Growth Hormone

Growth Hormone
AKA: Somatotropic hormone
Classification: Anterior pituitary hormone
ACTIONS AND USES:
Regulates growth of the individual until somewhere around early adulthood or the time when the
person no longer gains height.
Recombinant DNA origin and are identical to human GH and produce skeletal growth in children.
It is administered for children who have not grown because of a deficiency of pituitary GH and
must be used before closure of bone epiphyses.
ADVERSE REACTIONS:
Antibodies to somatropin may develop, some may experience hypothyroidism or insulin
Resistance. Swelling, joint pain, and muscle pain may occur.
CONTRAINDICATIONS, PRECAUTIONS, AND INTERACTIONS:
Regarding somatrem and somatropin:
Hypersensitivity, or sensitivity to benzyl alcohol, those with epiphyseal closure or
Underlying cranial lesions. Caution with thyroid disease or diabetes, during
Pregnancy and lactation. Pregnancy Category C.
Excessive amounts of glucocorticoids may decrease response to somatropin.
Nursing Interventions:
1. Physical exam, labs and diagnostics, height, weight, and VS
2. Children may grow 8 to 10 cm/year during first year of treatment
3. Bone age is monitored periodically
4. Teach parents the pt may have sudden growth and increase in appetite