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Sub-Category:

Hormonal Deficiencies

Number of Conditions: 1

Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Growth and Development Disorders

Sub-category: Hormonal Deficiencies

Symptoms:
slow growth velocity; height below the 3rd percentile; delayed bone age; increased fat deposition; poor muscle tone; delayed puberty

Root Cause:
Insufficient production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland, often due to congenital abnormalities, trauma, tumors, or idiopathic causes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for IGF-1 and growth hormone levels, growth chart analysis, stimulation tests for growth hormone release, and MRI of the pituitary gland.

Treatment:
Daily subcutaneous injections of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH).

Medications:
Recombinant human growth hormone (e.g., somatropin ) is the primary treatment. It is classified as hormone replacement therapy.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1 in 4,000 to 1 in 10,000 children.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Birth trauma, genetic conditions (e.g., Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome), head injuries, or pituitary tumors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early diagnosis and treatment; untreated cases may lead to permanent short stature and delayed puberty.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Delayed puberty, reduced bone density, metabolic abnormalities, and social or psychological issues related to short stature.