Growth Hormone

Different kinds of GH deficiency

• Congenital GHD: Congenital GHD means it’s present from birth due to a genetic mutation (change) or structural issues in the baby’s brain.

• Acquired GHD: GHD is considered to be acquired if its onset is later in life as a result of damage to your pituitary gland. Children and adults can have acquired GHD.

• Idiopathic GHD: In the medical world, “idiopathic” means there’s no known cause. Some cases of GHD have an unknown cause.

GH deficiency diagnostic tests 

GHD diagnostic tests for children :

• X-rays

• Blood tests and other laboratory test

• Growth hormone stimulation test:

• Magnetic resonance image (MRI)

GHD diagnostic tests for adults :

One of the most common tests for diagnosing growth hormone deficiency in adults is the insulin tolerance test.

 Other tests :

• Glucagon stimulation test.

• Macimorelin stimulation test.

• Arginine stimulation test.

• Clonidine stimulation test.

Treatment 

Treatment for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in both children and adults involves synthetic growth hormone (recombinant human growth hormone) subcutaneous injections (shots) given at home. People with GHD most often need a daily shot . Synthetic growth hormone treatment is long-term, often lasting for several years. It’s essential to see your healthcare provider regularly to make sure the treatment is working and to see if you need to adjust your dose of medication . 

If you or your child have deficiencies in other pituitary hormones, you will also need treatment to correct those deficiencies .

Monograph 

For more information see the link below