Breastfeeding Status and Response to Growth Hormone Therapy in Children with Isolated Growth Hormone Deficiency

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the association of breastfeeding status and duration with growth parameters, biochemical markers, and response to growth hormone (GH) therapy in children with isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD). In this retrospective study, the medical records of 162 children aged 3–17 years diagnosed with IGHD between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2024, were reviewed. Overall, 67.9% of the children were breastfed, with a mean duration of 16.4 ± 8.6 months. No significant differences were found between breastfed and non-breastfed children regarding baseline growth and biochemical parameters or treatment response (p > 0.05). Overall, 62.96% of the patients achieved a favorable treatment response, which showed no significant association with breastfeeding duration. In multivariable analysis, GH treatment duration emerged as the sole independent predictor of treatment response (OR = 1.355, 95% CI: 1.026–1.791, p = 0.032). In conclusion, neither breastfeeding status nor duration was significantly associated with growth trajectories or GH therapy response in children with IGHD, whereas GH treatment duration was a key determinant of therapeutic success.