What is HGH deficiency?
It can be both a total or a
partial condition, resulting in impaired physical development.
HGH is produced in
the pituitary gland (hypophysis), a small gland situated on the
underside of the brain. Secretion is controlled
by other hormones released by a different part of the brain. When it enters the bloodstream it stimulates the liver to
secrete yet another hormone, 'insulin-like growth factor' (primarily IGF-1).
The elderly naturally produce less HGH
than young adults.
What causes?
There are several possible mechanisms that result in a
deficiency:
-
insufficient release of stimulatory hormone from the hypothalamus.
-
insufficient production of HGH by the pituitary..
-
decrease in IGF-1 hormones.
-
problems can also be caused by defects in the
receptors that 'receive' the hormone in the body's cells.
There are many possible causes for an HGH
deficiency including:
-
very rarely it may be due to a genetic defect, which
in some instances may also be hereditary.
-
a lack of oxygen at birth.
-
diseases in the pituitary gland, the brain or the liver.
-
abnormalities in the hormone receptors.
-
an autoimmune attack.
However, more often than not, there is no single,
clear explanation.
If the pituitary gland function is abnormal, the
production of several other types of pituitary hormone may also be
reduced, leading to other conditions.
What are the symptoms?
A total deficiency is often discovered
in a child's infancy. At birth, the infant's height and weight are
normal. However, between three to nine months the growth rate
will be reduced (growth disturbance). Later, the ability to gain
weight begins to diminish; teeth development is delayed and the child
may also acquire a thick layer of fat under the skin. This symptom
will not always be visible if the deficiency is only partial.
What can I do?
Everybody can measure and weigh their kids.
However, health visitors and doctors should regularly carry out a
growth examination that follows specific guidelines, since
measurements completed at home may be inaccurate and the
interpretation of 'growth curves' - tables used to measure growth
accurately - can also be difficult. If the child's growth seems to be
causing problems, consult your General Practitioner.
How is a disturbance diagnosed?
The doctor measures and weighs the child and draws
growth curves. The parents' height and weight as adults, at puberty
and as infants will be taken into consideration. The doctor will also
ask questions about diet, appetite, exercise habits,
pattern of defecation and any social problems. He or she is then
examined for signs of disease, and, possibly, puberty and tooth
development. In addition, an X-ray of the left hand and wrist may be
taken to examine bone development. The so-called 'bone age' may be
small in relation to age.
If the doctor suspects a deficiency, a
consultation at a specialist pediatric unit may be advised. In the
pediatric unit, the IGF-1 is measured and further blood tests are
taken to test for other possible diseases. A growth
hormone-stimulation test will be administered: usually, it takes two
of these tests to properly diagnose a deficiency.
What are the future prospects?
Height will be severely impaired if an HGH deficiency is not treated. The child's potential to
gain height depends on the degree of the condition. If the lack of
hormone is treated in its early phase, it is likely that the child
will gain several extra centimeters bringing the child into the
normal range for height.
How is the imbalance treated?
Treatment, available at special pediatric units, is
by means of an injection each day until they stop growing. The parents are trained to administer the
injection. The correct amount has to be determined
exactly, and the child needs to be closely monitored and examined for
possible side effects, even though side effects are very rare. When
this treatment has been completed, a reassessment is necessary to see
if the child is likely to respond to further treatment in adulthood.
Which medicine is used for treatment?
Synthetic HGH (somatropin) manufactured in a pharmaceutical lab is used for the treatment. It's all made this way as procuring it from human cadavers has been outlawed for many years.
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