Growth Hormone Deficiency
From Holoprosencephaly
Growth Hormone Deficiency
Growth hormone produced by the pituitary gland stimulates the liver and other body tissues to produce IGF-1, which then acts as the link between growth hormone in the blood and the machinery inside cells that causes growth. Growth hormone affects the way protein, lipids and glucose are used by the cells in the body.
Symptoms of growth hormone deficiency
Slowed or absent increase in height, especially before the age of 5 Short stature -- below 5th percentile on a standardized growth chart Absent or delayed sexual development in an adolescent Headaches Excessive thirst with excessive urination Increased urine volume
In adults, growth hormone insufficiency can lead to changes in muscle mass, cholesterol levels, and bone strength
Testing
A hand x-ray may be done to determine bone age. A MRI of the head may be used to identify damage of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Growth hormone measurements are usually combined with provocative tests, such as GHRH stimulation tests or other laboratory tests, such as somatomedin (also known as IGF-1) measurements. The amount of IGF-1 in the blood provides an indirect measure of the amount of growth hormone present. Due to considerable variation in growth hormone levels over the course of a day, the test is often repeated several times to get a better picture of average levels. Vigorous exercise and several chemicals and drugs (insulin, arginine, glucagon, L-dopa, clonidine) may alter testing results.
Treatment
Synthetic growth hormone can be used for children with growth hormone deficiency. This treatment requires the assistance of a pediatric endocrinologist. Treatment with synthetic (recombinant) human growth hormone is generally considered to be safe, with rare side effects. This is usually given in subcutaneous injection form.
Click on the links below to learn more about hormonal deficiencies in children with Holoprosencephaly:
[Will my child develop hormonal deficiencies over time?]
[How can hormonal deficiencies be life threatening?]
Sources: http://www.hgfound.org/growth.html
