Growth Failure Due To Growth Hormone Deficiency

Overview

Growth Failure Due To Growth Hormone Deficiency is a rare disorder characterized by the inadequate secretion of growth hormone from the anterior pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain that is responsible for the production of several hormones

Signs and Symptoms

Child is significantly shorter than children his or her age, May not have any symptoms, Delayed puberty, Increased fat around the face and stomach, Mild to moderate chubbiness, Slow tooth development, Anxiety and/or depression, Baldness, Decrease in sexual function and interest, Decreased muscle mass and strength

Common Causes

A severe head injury, A tumor in your head, An infection, Brain surgery, Hormonal problems related to the hypothalamus gland or pituitary gland, Poor blood supply to the pituitary gland, Radiation treatments to your brain, Genetic causes, Anatomical abnormalities, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Germinoma, Metastases of cancer elsewhere in the body, Sarcoidosis, Idiopathic

Risk Factors

Cleft palate, Turner syndrome, Short-stature homeobox-containing gene deficiency, Leri-Weil syndrome, Family history, Trauma or medical/surgical intervention on the brain

Investigation Techniques

Physical examination, Full blood count, Serum creatinine, Serum urea, Serum electrolytes, Thyroid function test, Liver function test, Insulin-like growth factor-1 level, Insulin-like growth factor binding protein, Serum IgA, Karyotype, Growth hormone stimulation test, Insulin tolerance test, Brain CT scan, MRI scan of the brain, DXA scan, Hand x-ray

Treatment and Prevention

Growth hormone replacement therapy, Psychological counselling, Ensure adequate sleep is obtained, Treat the underlying known cause