Summary

• Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a rare but treatable cause of growth failure in children.
• May be isolated or combined with other anterior and/or posterior pituitary hormone deficiencies. The cause may be congenital or acquired.
• Diagnosis is based on a combination of biochemistry, neuroradiology, and clinical phenotype.
• Treatment in the form of recombinant human GH (rhGH) is safe and highly efficacious. Rapid diagnosis with early treatment results in attainment of a normal final height in most individuals.
• Associated pituitary hormone deficiencies require treatment with hormone replacement.
• Endocrine reassessment should be undertaken after completion of growth and puberty, because some patients will require long-term GH therapy.