What is Growth Hormone Deficiency? |
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In United States, there are about 10,000-15,000 kids who experience growth failure because of a condition known as growth hormone deficiency. So what exactly is growth hormone? Think of it as a type of protein that is produced by the master (pituitary) gland and is an important part of the normal growth process. A growth hormone deficiency occurs when there is an inadequate amount of hormone that is produced or when the hormone isn’t present. If a child lacks additional other pituitary hormones, it is known as a hypopituitarism condition, and if all of the pituitary hormones aren’t present, the condition is known as panhypopituitarism. Growth hormone’s primary goal is to promote body tissue growth. Additional hormones which may affect other anterior pituitary hormones include:
Growth hormone deficiency may result either on its own or when it is combined with several other pituitary hormone deficiencies. This condition usually occurs in a young child who is small with characteristics of a chubby body and an immature face. During this condition, growth rate is relatively slow however, the level of intelligence is normal. DiagnosisGrowth Hormone deficiency is not easy to diagnose due to the fact that the pituitary gland progresses bursts of growth hormone. This means that growth hormone levels in a random sample of blood is most likely to be low. Other treatment options such as diagnosis at a hospital may also be performed where a child is tested for growth hormone secretion. TreatmentInjections containing the growth hormone are usually used in treating growth hormone deficiency. Doses of 3-4 injections may be provided to children for a period of one week, where some other children may receive an injection on a daily basis. Treatment generally will need to be done for several years, until the child reaches a height level which is normal for his age and where maximum potential of growth is established. For more information on this subject, visit:
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