Abnormal growth in noonan syndrome: the challenge of optimal therapy

Pediatr Endocrinol Rev. 2009 Jun:6 Suppl 4:523-8.

Abstract

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a phenotypically heterogeneous condition frequently associated with short stature. Genetic investigations have identified mutations in several genes, e.g. PTPN11, KRAS, RAF and SOS1 in patients with the NS phenotype and related disorders such as LEOPARD, Costello and Cardiofacio- cutaneous syndromes. In NS, PTPN11 mutations are present in 29-60% of cases. The degree of short stature does not associate closely with the presence of a mutation; however, some PTPN11-positive patients have decreased growth hormone (GH)-dependent growth factors consistent with mild GH insensitivity. GH therapy induces short-term increases in height velocity over 1-3 years, and is likely to improve adult height.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Height
  • Child
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Growth Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Growth Disorders / etiology*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / complications
  • Human Growth Hormone / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Mutation
  • Noonan Syndrome / complications*
  • Noonan Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Noonan Syndrome / genetics
  • Phenotype
  • ras Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • ras Proteins