• Print

Use this glossary to get to know the terms we use to talk about GH therapy.

A B C D E F G H I-J-K L M-N O P-Q R S T-U-V W-X-Y-Z

A

adolescence: The teenage years; the physical and mental transition from child to adult (see puberty).

adrenal glands: Located above the kidneys in the lower back, these two glands produce several kinds of hormones.

adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD): Growth hormone deficiency during adulthood. Adults need growth hormone to maintain healthy body composition and metabolism. AGHD occurs when the pituitary gland is missing or does not secrete enough growth hormone. AGHD may be the continuation of a growth hormone deficiency that began in infancy or childhood (childhood-onset AGHD), or it may begin in adulthood (adult-onset AGHD).

adult-onset AGHD: Adult growth hormone deficiency that begins in adulthood.

AGHD: See adult growth hormone deficiency.

amino acids: The building blocks of proteins. Amino acids determine the shape and function of proteins.

androgen: A male sex hormone and type of steroid.

anemia: A condition caused by a decrease in red blood cells. Symptoms include paleness, weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

aortic aneurysm: A bulge in an artery caused by weakening of the artery wall.

aortic dissection: A tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the largest artery in the body.

authorization: When your insurer must approve use of a specific medicine or therapy before your treatment begins (also known as "prior authorization")

Back to top

B

BMD: See bone mineral density.

BMI: See body mass index.

body mass index (BMI): A number that shows body weight adjusted for height. BMI can be calculated using inches and pounds or meters and kilograms. For adults aged 20 years or older, BMI falls into one of these 4 categories: underweight, normal, overweight, or obese.

bone age: The stage of development or maturity of the bones. In most children, bone age will be about the same as chronological (actual) age, but in some it may be advanced (ahead) or delayed (behind). Bone age is measured by taking an X-ray, usually of the left hand and wrist, to look at the bones and compare them with standards for boys and girls of various ages.

bone mineral density (BMD): A measure of the strength of bone or amount of bone loss. BMD measures the density of the minerals, such as calcium, that make up bones. A BMD test is done with a special X-ray (such as DEXA), ultrasound, or CT scan (a type of X-ray which generates 3-dimensional images).

bone remodeling: The two-part process through which bone is renewed. First, old bone tissue is broken down and removed by special cells called osteoclasts; this process is called resorption. Next, new bone tissue is laid down by other cells called osteoblasts. Without this process, bone would become brittle and fracture easily. Naturally occurring GH stimulates the activity of osteoclasts, which remove old bone tissue. At the same time, it helps to increase the activity of osteoblasts, which produce new bone.

Back to top

C

centile: See percentile.

centimeter (cm): A metric unit of measurement for length. 1 cm = 0.4 inches; 2.54 cm = 1 inch.

childhood-onset AGHD: Adult growth hormone deficiency that begins in infancy or childhood.

chondrodystrophies: Conditions involving abnormal development of the cartilage (tissue that develops into bone); sometimes called skeletal dysplasias (conditions involving abnormal development of bones).

chromosomes: Microscopic bodies inside cells. Chromosomes carry the genes that convey hereditary characteristics.

chronic kidney disease (CKD): A group of ongoing conditions that can damage kidneys and impair kidney function.

chronic renal insufficiency (CRI): A stage of chronic kidney disease in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter the blood, eliminate toxins and waste, and maintain the proper balance of chemicals in the body.

chronological age: Age in years and months since birth date.

compliance: Successful day-to-day injections on schedule and as prescribed, without missed doses.

Back to top

D

deficiency: A lack of something; in the case of endocrine deficiency, not enough of a hormone.

DEXA scan: A test which uses X-rays at two different energy levels to scan your body. By measuring the differences in how the X-rays are absorbed, doctors can estimate the fat mass, lean body mass, and bone mass within specific parts of your body, such as the arms, legs, and trunk. DEXA scans are also used to measure bone mineral density (BMD).

dialysis: A medical procedure in which wastes or toxins are removed from the blood.

dose: The amount of medication or treatment given at one time.

Back to top

E

endocrine system: The system of glands in the human body that are responsible for producing hormones.

endocrinology: The branch of medicine dealing with the endocrine system and its hormones.

endocrinologist: A doctor who specializes in the endocrine system, its glands, and its hormones.

epiphysis: The end of the long bones, where growth occurs. It is originally separated from the main bone by a layer of cartilage but later "fuses," or connects, to the main bone. Once these "growing ends" of the bones fuse, a child can grow no taller. This usually occurs around age 13 to 15 for girls and 14 to 17 for boys. (The plural of this word is epiphyses.)

estrogen: A female sex hormone, also present in small quantities in males. Estrogen stimulates secondary sexual characteristics in women (for example, the development of breasts) and also helps bones to grow.

Back to top

F

familial short stature: A term used to describe children who are:

• Small for their age (with growth at or below the 5th percentile)
• Come from short families
• Are growing at a normal rate
• Do not have any diseases or conditions that are affecting their growth

These children can expect to reach an adult height about the same as that of their parents.

Back to top

G

genes: Chemical units inherited from parents. Genes determine the specific characteristics of offspring.

genetic: Describing features or conditions of the body that are the result of heredity-the passing-down of traits from parent to child through genes.

gland: An organ or a specialized group of cells in the body that produces secretions such as insulin or bile, or excretions such as sweat.

growth channel: An area within a growth chart that lies between two percentile lines. After infancy, most children maintain steady growth along a curve that falls within a growth channel.

growth chart: Grids that allow you to plot a child's height according to age. The most widely used growth charts are created by measuring many boys and girls of all ages and breaking the range of their heights and weights into percentiles. These percentiles are represented on the growth charts by colored bands. Age in years is marked along the bottom of the chart. Height in inches is marked along the left side.

growth hormone (GH): See human growth hormone.

growth hormone deficiency (GHD): A condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone (GH), leading to short stature in children and a number of health problems in adults. See also adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD).

growth potential: The predicted "normal" adult height for your child, based largely on the average of the parents' heights. For boys, final adult height potential is generally this average height plus about 2.5 inches. For girls, it's this average height minus about 2.5 inches. By determining growth potential, your doctor can determine optimal therapy for each child and work with you to set realistic goals.

Back to top

H

heredity: The passing-down of traits from parent to child through genes, which are located in chromosomes. Such traits are said to be "inherited."

hormones: Chemicals secreted into the bloodstream in small amounts by glands located throughout the body. Hormones "set in motion" many life processes—growth, puberty, reproduction, and metabolism.

human growth hormone (hGH): A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that, in children, causes physical growth. In adults as well as children, hGH is essential to maintain healthy body shape and metabolism (in other words, to improve one's ratio of fat to lean body mass).

hypogonadism: A condition in which sex organs such as the testes or ovaries are underactive.

hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive.

Back to top

I-J-K

idiopathic: Occurring without a known cause.

injection log: A record of where on the body and at what time you have given or been given your injections. Used to help patients stay on track with their routines and to vary the injection site daily.

insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I; somatomedin): A chemical produced by the liver and other tissues in response to growth hormone (GH). It plays a role in helping GH cause changes in cells that lead to growth. Although growth hormone (GH) has the word "growth" in its name, most growth actually results from GH stimulating the liver, which produces IGF-1 (one of the insulin-like growth factors). IGF-1 then promotes bone and muscle growth. Because IGF-1 lasts longer in the bloodstream than GH, doctors can indirectly measure the amount of GH by looking at the levels of IGF-1.

insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3): This protein helps IGF-1 move throughout the body. Because both IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 last longer in the bloodstream than GH, they can serve as "markers" for the level of GH in the blood.

kidneys: The two organs, located in the middle of the back, that maintain the balance of fluids and chemicals in the body, remove waste from the blood, and help keep blood pressure in check.

kilogram (kg): A metric unit of measurement for weight. 1 kg = 2.2 pounds; 0.45 kg = 1 pound.

Back to top

L

linear growth: See statural growth.

Back to top

M-N

malnutrition (malnourishment): Poor nourishment resulting from insufficient food or improper diet.

metabolism: The chemical and physical processes continuously occurring in the body and its cells, such as when foods are turned into energy, tissue, or waste products.

MRI: A test that uses a large magnet to create detailed digital pictures of areas inside the body—for example, if your doctor is checking for GHD, the pituitary gland. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging.

nephrologist: A medical doctor who deals with functions and diseases of the kidneys.

Back to top

O

osteoblasts: Specialized cells which remove old bone as part of the process of bone remodeling. Naturally occurring GH helps to helps to increase the activity of osteoblasts.

osteoclasts: Specialized cells which produce new bone tissue as part of the process of bone remodeling. Naturally occurring GH helps to increase the activity of osteoblasts.

ovaries: The female sex organs that produce eggs and secrete the female sex hormone estrogen.

Back to top

P-Q

pediatric growth hormone deficiency (PGHD): Growth hormone deficiency during infancy or childhood. PGHD occurs when the production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland is disrupted. This has an impact on 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. There are many possible causes.

percentile: A number based on dividing something into 100 parts—in this case, a group of children of the same age and sex. The percentile number tells what percentage of children of that age are taller or shorter than the child being measured.

persistence: Long-term therapy over a period of time recommended by your doctor or healthcare professional.

PGHD: See pediatric growth hormone deficiency.

pituitary gland: A small gland attached by a stalk to the base of the brain; it secretes hormones that control other glands and regulate growth. It is sometimes called the "master gland."

proteins: Found throughout the body, proteins serve many important functions. They are the main components of cells. Growth hormone and IGF-I are proteins.

provocative test: See stimulation test.

puberty: The time of life when the greatest amount of growth occurs and the development of secondary sexual characteristics—such as pubic hair in males and females, breasts in females, and a lower voice in males—takes place.

pubertal growth spurt: During puberty, the rate of growth speeds up. Girls and boys may go through a growth spurt, which lasts about two years. During this time, girls generally grow from 2.5 to 4.5 inches per year, while boys grow 3 to 5 inches a year. The pubertal growth spurt accounts for about 17% of adult male height and 12% of adult female height—and leads to much of the difference in height between adult men and women.

Back to top

R

reconstituted: For GH and some other medicines, mixing a concentrate that is more easily stored with a liquid in order to make it ready to use. The Nutropin taken with vial and syringe is packaged in dry powdered form. Before you use it, you need to mix it with the diluent—the special fluid that comes with Nutropin—to reconstitute it.

reimbursement: repayment. When you have paid money for medical care, your insurance company (depending on your plan) may reimburse you for part or all of what you have paid.

renal: Having to do with the kidneys. From the Latin word "ren," meaning "kidney."

renal osteodystrophy (ROD): A weakening of bones caused by kidney disease.

Back to top

S

short stature: Body height that is less than 70% of the average compared with others of the same age, sex, culture and other factors. (Stature simply means "height.")

somatotropin: Another name for human growth hormone.

standard deviation (SD): A mathematical or statistical term that refers to units used to describe how far a particular value (such as height or weight) is from the average value. A standard deviation depends on what is being measured and the population in which it is measured. Among men in the United States, one standard deviation from the average height equals about 3 inches, while for women it equals about 2.5 inches.

statural growth: Increase in height. See also linear growth.

stimulation test: Because it is difficult to measure the presence of growth hormone directly, in some cases doctors use GH stimulation tests to confirm growth hormone deficiency. These are often called provocative tests, because they use small amounts of medication, such as insulin, that are known to "provoke" or stimulate the production of GH. If GH levels do not rise appropriately when the medication is given, the diagnosis of GHD can be confirmed.

syndrome: A set of features or symptoms often occurring together and believed to stem from the same cause.

synthesize: to create something, such as chemicals in the body, from simpler, raw materials.

Back to top

T-U-V

target height: The expected final adult height for your child, based on growth potential. By setting a target height, your doctor can determine optimal therapy for your child and work with you to set realistic goals.

testes: The male sex organs that secrete the male sex hormone testosterone.

testosterone: A male sex hormone, also present in small quantities in females. Testosterone stimulates secondary sexual characteristics in men (for example, deepening of the voice), accelerates growth, and affects metabolism.

thyroid gland: A large gland situated in front and on either side of the trachea (windpipe) that secretes the hormone thyroxine, which helps regulate body growth and metabolism.

toxin: A poison, usually one produced by a plant or small organisms such as bacteria. The kidneys help rid the body of toxins that would otherwise build up to harmful levels.

transition: A passage from one stage to the next, such as the transition from childhood to adolescence, when the pubertal growth spurt occurs. This term is also used when an older child's medical care shifts from a pediatrician to a physician who cares for adults. During this time, important decisions may need to be made—including whether an adult needs to continue taking medication that was necessary during childhood and puberty.

Turner Syndrome (TS): A genetic condition occurring in about 1 of every 2,500 female births throughout the world. Girls and women with Turner Syndrome may have cardiovascular, kidney, thyroid, bone, and ear problems. The ovaries (female sex organs) do not work properly or stop working too soon. Outward symptoms of Turner Syndrome may include a short, thick neck; arms that turn out slightly at the elbows; and a low hairline at the back of the head. Poor long bone and spinal column growth lead to short stature in nearly 100% of girls with TS.

Back to top

W-X-Y-Z

Back to top

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Nutropin and your safety:
Please read this important safety information carefully. Then, if you have any questions, talk with your doctor.

Nutropin is NOT for:

• Children and teenagers whose bones have finished growing
• Patients who have certain types of eye disease caused by diabetes
• Patients who have active cancer or any brain tumors
• Patients who are critically ill after open heart surgery or abdominal (stomach) surgery, are severely hurt, or have severe breathing problems
• Children and teenagers who have Prader-Willi syndrome and are very overweight or have trouble breathing
• Patients with a known sensitivity to benzyl alcohol, an ingredient in the liquid used to mix Nutropin Injection. Sterile water should be used when mixing Nutropin for newborns.

If any of these apply, talk to your doctor before you start taking Nutropin.

If you are about to start taking Nutropin, or are already taking it, be sure to tell the doctor who prescribed it:

• About ALL of the medications you are taking, including supplements
• If you have or develop a brain tumor
• If you are given any new medication, especially glucocorticoid steroids like hydrocortisone or prednisone
• If you are pregnant or if you become pregnant
• About ANY other condition or illness you have or develop

What are the possible side effects of Nutropin?
You may experience discomfort, soreness, or redness where Nutropin is injected.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Ongoing injection site discomfort
• Curvature of the spine (scoliosis)
• Joint pain
• Puffy hands and/or feet (caused by fluid retention)
• Changes in vision, a bad headache, or nausea with or without vomiting
• Hip or knee pain
• A need to limp when you walk
• Pain in wrist (carpal tunnel)
• Allergic reaction

Be sure to inject Nutropin at a different recommended place on your body each time. Your doctor or nurse should supervise the first injection and provide training and instruction.

Your doctor is your primary source of information about your treatment.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for Nutropin and Nutropin AQ, available from your pharmacy and at www.nutropin.com, for more about Nutropin and safety.

Questions? Call the Nurse Hotline at 1-866-NUTROPIN (1-866-688-7674).

Back to top