Definition of "Growth hormone deficiency"

Last modified: 5 days



Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is where the anterior pituitary is not producing enough growth hormone (GH, aka somatotropin).

Pathophysiology
  • GH is a hormone which stimulates growth and cell reproduction
Sx

Effects depend on age, including:

  • In newborn infants:
    • Hypoglycemia
    • Micropenis
  • In later infancy and childhood:
    • Growth failure
  • In adults, it is rare:
    • Diminished lean body mass
    • Poor bone density
    • Numerous physical (loss of strenght, stamina, musculature) and psychological Sx (poor memory, social withdrawal, depression)
Cause
  • Idiopathic (15%)
  • Pituitary tumors (50%)
  • Extrapituitary tumors (20%)
  • Infiltrative or inflammatory lesions (5%)
Tx
  • Growth hormone replacement
  • Injections of growth hormone
  • Radiation or surgical Tx of tumors
See also
  • Short stature
  • Acromegaly (antonym)

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Definition of Growth hormone deficiency | Autoprac


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