The cause uncovered
Since then, scientists have discovered that this condition of short stature is caused by a deficiency of growth hormone. It may be present from birth due to an abnormal pituitary gland (the gland that makes growth hormone) or may be part of a syndrome. The condition's modern name is growth hormone deficiency, or hypopituitary dwarfism, or hypopituitarism. Growth hormone deficiency may also be acquired in life from trauma, brain infections, or other diseases.
Difficult to diagnose
During the first two years of life, a child with growth hormone deficiency may grow at a normal rate. As the child becomes older, however, parents may notice that their child does not seem to be growing properly. The child is small compared to his age-mates and may look younger than them.
A child who grows less than 2 inches per year, or who is only as tall as children two or more years younger, should be evaluated by a physician for growth hormone deficiency after other possible causes (such as hypothyroidism) have been ruled out. Testing for growth hormone deficiency is done by stimulating the body to produce the hormone and then measuring how much hormone is actually released.
Treatment available
Growth hormone deficiency is treated by injections of growth hormone. A child may receive daily or weekly injections. The child's growth rate increases soon after the injections are started. The treatment continues over several years until the child's maximum growth potential is achieved. Most children will reach an acceptable adult height.
The average adult height for someone with untreated severe growth hormone deficiency is 143 cm (4 ft 8 in) in men and 130 cm (4 ft 3 in) in women.
Last updated 11/26/05
Information for this article was taken from:
- Human Growth Foundation. Growth Hormone Deficiency.
- Kemp, S. (2002). Growth hormone deficiency. eMedicine, accessed at http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1810.htm
