Growth Hormone Deficiency: Diagnosis and Therapy in Children

Abstract

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) represents a condition characterized by reduced GH secretion, isolated or associated with other pituitary hormone deficiencies. Diagnosis of GHD in childhood is achieved by secretagogs testing in combination with auxological parameters, such as height and growth velocity and biochemical and radiological findings. Only after excluding other causes of growth failure should a careful assessment of the pituitary-IGF-1 axis be undertaken, using GH-provocative tests and basal serum IGF-I values. As recommended by the GH Research Society, patients with GHD should be treated with recombinant human GH in order to normalize height during childhood and, ultimately, attain a normal adult height. (copyright) 2010 Expert Reviews Ltd.