Approach to the Patient: Case Studies in Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency and Their Management

Abstract

Context: Pathologies attributed to perturbations of the GH/IGF-I axis are among the most common referrals received by pediatric endocrinologists. Aim: In this article, distinctive cased-based presentations are used to provide a practical and pragmatic approach to the management of pediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Cases: We present 4 case vignettes based on actual patients that illustrate (1) congenital GHD, (2) childhood GHD presenting as failure to thrive, (3) childhood GHD presenting in adolescence as growth deceleration, and (4) childhood-onset GHD manifesting as metabolic complications in adolescence. We review patient presentation and a management approach that aims to highlight diagnostic considerations for treatment based on current clinical guidelines, with mention of new therapeutic and diagnostic modalities being used in the field. Conclusion: Pediatric GHD is diverse in etiology and clinical presentation. Timely management has the potential not only to improve growth but can also ameliorate or even mitigate adverse metabolic outcomes, which can be directly attributed to a GH deficient state.