What should I know about pediatric growth hormone deficiency?
Pediatric growth hormone deficiency (PGHD) occurs when the production of growth hormone is disrupted during infancy or childhood.
Growth hormone (often designated as hGH or GH) is secreted by the pituitary gland and plays a critical role in stimulating body growth and development. It is involved in the production of muscle protein and in the breakdown of fats. Decreased levels of growth hormone may result in abnormalities of many body processes, including growth and development, production of muscle protein, and breakdown of fats.
Although PGHD is uncommon, it may occur at any time during infancy or childhood, and there are many possible causes. Some involve damage to the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls the pituitary. A major sign of PGHD is a marked slowing of growth, usually to less than 2 inches (5 cm) a year.
Pediatric growth hormone deficiency is diagnosed through special blood tests that detect growth hormone in the blood. It is treated by growth hormone therapy, which involves giving injections of growth hormone, such as Nutropin, until the child reaches his or her adult genetic potential height or until the growing ends of the bones fuse.
