National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Laron syndrome

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My grandson has the condition. I want to know if there is medication that will result in a normal stature.
There is currently no cure for Laron syndrome. Treatment is primarily focused on improving growth.[1] The only specific treatment available for this condition is subcutaneous injections of insulin-like growth factor 1 (a growth-promoting hormone), often called IGF-1. IGF-1 stimulates linear growth (height) and also improves brain growth and metabolic abnormalities caused by long-term IGF-1 deficiency. It has also been shown to raise blood glucose levels, reduce cholesterol, and increase muscle growth.[2] IGF-1 and GH levels should be closely monitored in people undergoing this treatment because overdosage of IGF-I causes a variety of health problems.[3]
Last updated: 9/30/2015

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  1. J. Léger. Laron syndrome. Orphanet. November 2009; http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=EN&Expert=633. Accessed 11/2/2011.
  2. Laron Z. Growth hormone insensitivity (Laron syndrome). Rev Endocr Metab Disord. December 2002; 3(4):347-355.
  3. Laron Z. Insulin-like growth factor-I treatment of children with Laron syndrome (primary growth hormone insensitivity). Pediatr Endocrinol Rev. March 2008; 5(3):766-771.