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HGH Deficiency In Children
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Human Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children
Growth hormone is vitally necessary for the normal growth and development in children. When the pituitary fails to produce adequate quantities of the growth hormone, the growth of the child would be a lot slower than normal.
According to the normal growth pattern, a child grows approximately 2 inches per year. A child with GH deficiency grows less than 2 inches in a year. Usually, it takes about one or two years, before growth hormone deficiency symptoms become apparent. Without appropriate HGH replacement therapy, a child deficient in the hormone cannot reach 5 feet height.
Causes for Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children:
This hormone deficiency is broadly classified as: Congenital and Acquired.
Congenital deficiency (present at birth) occurs either due to an abnormality in pituitary gland, tumors of the brain or idiopathic causes.
Acquired GHD may be due to a severe brain injury, infections and diseases like meningitis, craniopharyngioma, radiation to the skull, etc.
Occasionally, the amount of HGH synthesized is adequate, however, the body does not respond to it, consequently resulting in manifestations of deficiency.
Sometimes, the cause for the deficiency may not be clear.
Symptoms of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children:
Commonest manifestations are - short stature and stunted growth, accumulation of fat around the waist, they look younger than other children of the same age, puberty is attained much later, they possess an immature face with a wide forehead, while the other parts of the face are underdeveloped, and development of teeth is delayed.
Diagnosing HGH Deficiency in Children:
The ideal way to assess the height, weight and growth of a child is by plotting a growth chart and monitoring it regularly. Certain tests need to be performed to make an accurate diagnosis: assessment of the levels of thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone, analysis of the level of IGF-1 and testing of the child’s HGH secretion.
X-rays are taken to check the bone size.
MRI is done to rule out the presence of tumors.
Treatment for HGH Deficiency in Children:
GHD in children is treated effectively by growth hormone replacement therapy. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment play a critical role in the success of the therapy. Equally important is the physician’s advice, monitoring and regular follow ups.
Growth hormone is vitally necessary for the normal growth and development in children. When the pituitary fails to produce adequate quantities of the growth hormone, the growth of the child would be a lot slower than normal.
According to the normal growth pattern, a child grows approximately 2 inches per year. A child with GH deficiency grows less than 2 inches in a year. Usually, it takes about one or two years, before growth hormone deficiency symptoms become apparent. Without appropriate HGH replacement therapy, a child deficient in the hormone cannot reach 5 feet height.
Causes for Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children:
This hormone deficiency is broadly classified as: Congenital and Acquired.
Congenital deficiency (present at birth) occurs either due to an abnormality in pituitary gland, tumors of the brain or idiopathic causes.
Acquired GHD may be due to a severe brain injury, infections and diseases like meningitis, craniopharyngioma, radiation to the skull, etc.
Occasionally, the amount of HGH synthesized is adequate, however, the body does not respond to it, consequently resulting in manifestations of deficiency.
Sometimes, the cause for the deficiency may not be clear.
Symptoms of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children:
Commonest manifestations are - short stature and stunted growth, accumulation of fat around the waist, they look younger than other children of the same age, puberty is attained much later, they possess an immature face with a wide forehead, while the other parts of the face are underdeveloped, and development of teeth is delayed.
Diagnosing HGH Deficiency in Children:
The ideal way to assess the height, weight and growth of a child is by plotting a growth chart and monitoring it regularly. Certain tests need to be performed to make an accurate diagnosis: assessment of the levels of thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone, analysis of the level of IGF-1 and testing of the child’s HGH secretion.
X-rays are taken to check the bone size.
MRI is done to rule out the presence of tumors.
Treatment for HGH Deficiency in Children:
GHD in children is treated effectively by growth hormone replacement therapy. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment play a critical role in the success of the therapy. Equally important is the physician’s advice, monitoring and regular follow ups.