What is the cause of growth hormone deficiency in children?
The growth hormone (GH) in insufficient amounts occurs as a result of the pituitary gland being able to produce sufficient growth hormone. The hormone is necessary to encourage the growth of bone as well as other tissues. The condition can develop at any time. GH is not a factor that affects the child’s intelligence.
What can cause GH deficiency in children?
GH deficiencies can result from an injury to the pituitary gland as well as the hypothalamus gland, which is a different gland. The damage can happen before the birth (congenital) or even following delivery (acquired).
The pituitary gland is a small gland situated in the middle of your brain. It’s the main gland for endocrine in the body. The pituitary gland typically releases more than 8 hormones. These hormones regulate metabolism, growth blood pressure, growth, and various other bodily processes.
In rare instances, GH deficiency can be an element of a genetic disorder. In many instances, the reason for GH deficiency is unknown (idiopathic).
What children may be most at risk of GH insufficiency?
A child is at greater to GH deficiency when he or has any of these:
- Brain injury
- Brain tumor
- Treatment for the head with radiation
Certain children who have the issue are not affected by any of the risk factors.
Which are indications that are indicative of GH deficiency in children?
The most obvious indication for GH deficiency is the slowness of increase in height every year after the child’s 3rd birthday. This is a rise of less than 3.5 centimeters (about 1.4 inches). A child suffering from GH deficiency might also suffer from:
- A younger-looking face
- A chubby body
- Impaired hair growth
- Delay in puberty
It is vital to know that GH deficiencies do not impact the child’s ability to think for themselves.
The signs of GH deficiency could be similar to other medical conditions. Your child must consult their healthcare professional to get a diagnosis.
How can GH deficiency be identified in children?
To determine GH deficiency the healthcare professional treating your child will need to look for any other issues, such as:
- Normal growth variations, for example, a family member’s short stature
- Other conditions, like thyroid hormone deficiency, or kidney disease
- Genetic disorders
The doctor will inquire about your child’s symptoms, health history, as well as your family’s history of health. They will perform an examination. The health of your child and their growth could be monitored over a number of months.
Your child might also undergo tests, for example:
- The blood tests are HTML0: These are done to test growth hormone and other hormone levels. Sometimes, the tests are conducted when your child has been given something that is known to increase the growth hormone.
- the X-ray: This test uses radiation of a small amount to create images of the tissues within the body. An X-ray can be taken of the left hand or wrist. It can help determine the age of your child’s bones. When there is a delay in puberty or hormonal issues bone age is usually smaller than the age of the calendar.
- CT scan: This test utilizes a series of X-ray computers to create precise of the body. A CT scan can reveal bones and muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans have more detail than standard X-rays.
- MRI: This test utilizes powerful magnets and a computer to create precise images of the tissues within the body.
How can GH deficiency managed in the child?
The healthcare professional for your child will be aware of his or her age, general health, and other factors when recommending treatment. Your child might need to consult an endocrinologist for children. A doctor who has additional training in the treatment of children with hormonal problems. The specialist has the most advanced equipment to measure accurately the growth of your child over time.
Treatment is performed with everyday injections of synthetic growth hormone. It is common to see results within 3-4 months after the treatment begins. The treatment can last for several years, typically until late puberty when growth is over. The earlier treatment is initiated that your child will attain an adult of normal or close to normal height that is in line with his or her family’s size.
Some children are not able to respond to treatment with growth hormones. GH treatment does not increase the height of a person over the parents.
What are the possible consequences of GH deficiency in the child?
If not treated, GH deficiency can cause children to be short of the adult height.
What can I do to aid my child in coping with GH deficiencies?
Children who are smaller than their peers could be depressed or have low self-esteem. It is important to discuss these issues with your child as well as your child’s doctor. They can suggest counseling or support groups to both of you.
Discuss with the healthcare professional of your child regarding your child’s possible adult height. Collaborate with your child’s healthcare professionals to develop a regular plan for managing the condition of your child.
When should I contact my child’s healthcare provider?
Discuss your child’s health provider if you’re concerned regarding your child’s development.
The most important points regarding GH deficiencies in children
- The growth hormone (GH) deficiency occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce sufficient growth hormone. Growth hormone is required to promote the growth of bone as well as other tissues.
- GH insufficiently does not impact the child’s intelligence.
- The most obvious indicator of GH deficiency is a slow growth in height each year following the 3rd birthday of a child. A child suffering from GH deficiency might have a face that is younger and a chubby body.
- Treatment involves everyday injections of synthetic growth hormone. The results are usually seen in 3-4 months after starting treatment. The treatment can last for several years, and usually ends late puberty, at which point growth has done.
- The earlier treatment begins the your child will attain an adult of normal or close to normal height that is in line with the family’s pattern.
- If left untreated, GH deficiency can cause children to not be at the adult height.
The next steps
- Tips to ensure you get the most benefit from visiting your child’s health care provider:
- Find out the purpose behind your visit and know what you would like to see take place.
- Before you visit, note down any questions you’d like to be addressed.
- When you visit your child Write down the name of the new diagnosis, as well as any new medications, treatments, or tests. Keep track of any new directions your physician will give you regarding your child’s health.
- Learn the reasons a new drug (or treatment) is prescribed and what it will benefit your child. Know what the possible adverse effects of the medication are.
- Ask your child if his or her condition could be addressed in different ways.
- Be aware of the reasons why a test procedure is recommended, and what the outcomes could be interpreted to mean.
- Be aware of the possible consequences when your child fails to use the medication or undergo tests or procedures.
- If your child is scheduled for scheduled a follow-up appointment, make down the time, date, and reason for the appointment.
- Be aware of how you can reach the child’s care provider during office hours. This is essential if your child is sick and you have any questions or require advice.
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