GH Consensus Workshop update - ESPE, PES and GHRS joint collaboration.

ESPE organised and cofounded a consensus workshop with the North American Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) and the Growth Hormone Research Society (GHRS) to examine the current state of knowledge about the long-term safety of Growth Hormone (GH) in adults and children including those in transition. It was held from 5-8 November 2014 in Shrigley Hall, near Manchester, UK. Published and unpublished studies and specially-commissioned reviews were examined, and senior medical advisers from main GH manufacturing companies were also invited to present the results of their post-marketing surveillance studies. Participants worked on a series of specific questions over the three day meeting and the particular points from each of the four discussion groups were collated in plenary sessions. A final document was prepared, hotly debated and agreed on the final day without industry members present to ensure complete impartiality and independence. It is a comprehensive statement about GH safety in the longer term which in general is reassuring, the final document is being submitted for publication very shortly and once published will be widely available.

For further information, please contact Gary Butler, Chairman ESPE Clinical Practice Committee.