Diseases
growth hormone deficiency
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD), also known as dwarfism or pituitary dwarfism, is a condition caused by insufficient amounts of growth hormone in the body. Children with GHD have abnormally short stature with normal body proportions. GHD can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later (acquired).
Symptoms
- a younger-looking face than what’s expected for their age.
- impaired hair and nail growth.
- delayed tooth development.
- delayed puberty.
- low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) in infants and toddlers.
Causes
- pituitary adenoma (benign tumor).
- radiation therapy for or near your pituitary gland.
- severe head injury or traumatic brain injury (tbi).
Risk factors
- diseases that infiltrate the hypothalamus
- a lack of blood flow to your pituitary gland.
- central nervous system infection.
Diagnosis
- blood tests and other laboratory tests
- growth hormone stimulation test
- magnetic resonance image (mri)
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is growth hormone deficiency?
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD), also known as dwarfism or pituitary dwarfism, is a condition caused by insufficient amounts of growth hormone in the body. Children with GHD have abnormally short stature with normal body proportions. GHD can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later (acquired).
What are the symptoms of growth hormone deficiency?
a younger-looking face than what’s expected for their age., impaired hair and nail growth., delayed tooth development., delayed puberty., low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) in infants and toddlers.
What causes growth hormone deficiency?
pituitary adenoma (benign tumor).; radiation therapy for or near your pituitary gland.; severe head injury or traumatic brain injury (tbi).
Which medicines are used for growth hormone deficiency?
somatropin
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