How is Growth Hormone Deficiency diagnosed in children?

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a condition that affects a child’s growth. It might result in short stature, declining growth velocity and short final adult height. Other symptoms associated with GHD are - Increased body fat and increase in cholesterol levels, fatigue, joint pains, etc.

Endocrinologists are well equipped to treat growth hormone deficiency. Please consult a pediatric endocrinologist if your child is experiencing any of these symptoms.

It is important that your child’s height is measured accurately and repeated every 3-4 months over a course of 6-12 months to help in the assessment.

What Causes Growth Hormone Deficiency?

There are a variety of reasons.

• Hypothalamic and pituitary gland disorders

• Genetic causes

• Tumors in the brain such as craniopharyngioma

• Brain irradiation

• Head trauma

• Congenital growth hormone deficiency

• Growth Hormone Insensitivity

Symptoms of Growth Hormone Deficiency

Growth hormone deficiency could be congenital or aquired.

The most common symptom of GHD is growth failure.

Babies with congenital GHD might have hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) and prolonged jaundice.

Children with acquired GHD might have delayed bone age, and increased height: weight ratios. They might appear younger than their peers. Their pubertal development might be delayed as well.

How is Growth Hormone Deficiency diagnosed?

Growth hormone deficiency is a complex issue that requires careful height measurements, assessment of family history, bone age and blood tests. In some situations, a test called growth hormone stimulation test might need to be performed.

How is Growth Hormone Deficiency treated?

It is important to diagnose the underlying cause for GHD. This directs the treatment plan.

Growth hormone is used to treat short stature that is due to growth hormone deficiency, small-for-gestational age, chronic kidney disease, Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and SHOX gene mutations.

Growth hormone (Norditropin, Omnitrope, Humatrope, Genotropin, Skytrofa) is given as a once daily or once weekly (Skytrofa) injection. Although benefits are usually seen within 6-12 months of starting treatment, treatment can last several years.

To get the best treatment for growth deficiency in Nashville, Franklin, and Brentwood, feel free to visit us today!

KAP Pediatric Endocrinology in Nashville, Franklin, and Brentwood, offers a direct patient care model that maximizes patient time and comfort, minimizes waiting times, and keeps costs low while keeping insurance out of the equation. Your insurance will still pay for medications and labs.