Growth hormone deficiency in children

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.

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD), defined as suboptimal GH secretion, includes a group of different aetiological disorders. It may be isolated or combined with other anterior and/or posterior pituitary hormone deficiencies. Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) is defined as a deficiency in 2 or more pituitary hormones. GHD may be congenital or acquired, sporadic or familial.