title: [Growth hormone insufficiency: diagnosis, treatment, results].
abstract: Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is not an unusual cause of short stature which, in absence of treatment, may lead to dwarfism. The diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency must be suspected very early, sometime at birth, by careful evaluation of growth curve which shows marked growth deceleration. Two stimulation tests of GH secretion<20 mUI/l are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of GH deficiency in order to start treating the patients. MRI of the pituitary gland should be realized to diagnose defects in the hypophyseal and hypothalamic structures. Bio-engineered exogenous GH have very limited side effects and are currently prescribed. Administered early in life at adequate dosage, GH replacement therapy may significantly increase ultimate adult growth in children with GH deficiency.
authors.affiliation: Service de Pédiatrie A, CHU Clocheville, 37000 Tours.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Despert
mesh_terms: D003933:Diagnosis; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000473:pathology; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D019382:Human Growth Hormone