"One shot to grow 10 cm taller"? An article to understand the effects and risks of "height-increasing injections" →

Children's height problem

It has always been the focus of parents' attention

recently

Using "height-increasing injections" to help children grow taller

It has attracted widespread attention

Is this treatment suitable for all children?

Are there any side effects of using “height-increasing injections”?

Dr. Ke will take you to learn more about

Growth hormone (hGH) is a peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Its main function is to promote the growth of bones, internal organs and the whole body. It also has a regulatory effect on protein synthesis, sugar metabolism, lipid metabolism and immunity.

The recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) used clinically is synthesized through genetic engineering technology and has the same physiological function as natural growth hormone. It can stimulate bone growth and lengthen long bones, thereby promoting height growth. It has a certain therapeutic effect on diseases such as growth hormone deficiency and idiopathic dwarfism.

The "height-increasing injection" is not suitable for all short children. The use of growth hormone requires the following two basic conditions :

(1)

Epiphyseal line not closed

The epiphyseal line is a key part of bone growth. Once it closes, the bone will stop growing. Generally speaking, the epiphyseal line of boys closes at around 16 years old , and that of girls closes at around 14 years old . Using growth hormone when the epiphyseal line is closed or nearly closed will not only fail to promote height growth, but may also cause problems such as abnormal bone hyperplasia.

(2)

Significantly shorter than children of the same age

If the child's height is significantly lower than the average height of children of the same age and gender, and the annual height growth is less than 5 cm , growth hormone may be considered. In addition, professional medical examinations such as growth hormone stimulation tests and pituitary MRI examinations are required to rule out other potential diseases .

Although growth hormone can effectively promote height growth in some cases, there are also certain potential risks . Injection of "height increase injection" may have the following side effects:

(1)

Injection site reactions

Some children may experience pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site after the shot, but these symptoms usually go away on their own within a few days.

(2)

Metabolic abnormalities

Growth hormone may cause a transient increase in blood sugar , which is common in adolescent children. In addition, it may cause hypothyroidism , which needs to be adjusted by oral thyroxine tablets.

(3)

Bone and joint problems

Growth hormone treatment may accelerate bone growth , cause joint and muscle pain, and even cause bone problems such as femoral head slippage and scoliosis.

(4)

Other risks

For patients with tumor cells in their bodies, growth hormone may promote the growth of tumor cells . In addition, studies have shown that long-term use of growth hormone may damage cardiovascular health . People with a family history of metabolic diseases such as diabetes should not use "height-increasing injections" because they may induce or aggravate the condition.

"Height-increasing injection" is not a universal injection

Parents should think rationally

Avoid blindly following trends or excessive anxiety

Fully understand its applicable conditions and risks

Make informed decisions under the guidance of your doctor

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Source: Guangdong Communist Youth League, Guangdong Science Popularization, People's Daily Science Popularization.

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