Question
My child has developed edema on the ankles and lower limbs after receiving growth hormone injections. Is this a side effect of the growth hormone? Should we continue with the injections? What kind of assistance do we need?
Answer
Edema that occurs after the injection of growth hormone in children is typically a side effect of fluid retention, commonly observed in eyelids, face, palm of hands, ankles, and lower limbs. This condition may result from an excess of body fluid concentration, known as hyponatremia, which is a common adverse reaction to growth hormone use. The edema can occur in various parts of the body including the eyelids, face, palm of hands, ankles, and lower limbs. Generally, this situation is tolerable and symptoms usually resolve spontaneously within 3 to 7 days.