[Growth hormone insufficiency: diagnosis, treatment, results]

Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2000 Sep;61(3):208-13.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is not an unusual cause of short stature which, in absence of treatment, may lead to dwarfism. The diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency must be suspected very early, sometime at birth, by careful evaluation of growth curve which shows marked growth deceleration. Two stimulation tests of GH secretion<20 mUI/l are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of GH deficiency in order to start treating the patients. MRI of the pituitary gland should be realized to diagnose defects in the hypophyseal and hypothalamic structures. Bio-engineered exogenous GH have very limited side effects and are currently prescribed. Administered early in life at adequate dosage, GH replacement therapy may significantly increase ultimate adult growth in children with GH deficiency.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis
  • Human Growth Hormone / deficiency*
  • Human Growth Hormone / metabolism
  • Human Growth Hormone / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamus / pathology
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pituitary Gland / pathology
  • Pituitary Gland / physiopathology

Substances

  • Human Growth Hormone