Growth Hormone deficiency - A public awareness film by Seth GSMC & KEMH

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a condition characterized by insufficient amounts of growth hormone (GH) in the body. This hormone, produced by the pituitary gland (a small gland at the base of the brain), is crucial for growth and development in children, and plays a role in metabolism, muscle and bone strength, and body fat distribution in both children and adults. Types of GHD: Congenital GHD: Present at birth, often due to genetic defects or problems with pituitary gland development. Acquired GHD: Develops later in life due to damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, often from brain tumors, head injuries, radiation therapy, or certain infections. Idiopathic GHD: When no clear cause can be identified. Symptoms: In Children: The most noticeable symptom is slowed growth or abnormally short stature compared to other children of the same age and sex, with normal body proportions. Other signs may include: Younger-looking face compared to peers Chubby body build, especially around the abdomen Delayed tooth development Delayed or absent sexual development during puberty Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), particularly in infants and toddlers Small penis (micropenis) in male newborns Impaired hair and nail growth Delayed development of gross motor skills (e.g., standing, walking) In Adults (Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency): While adults don't grow in height, GH is still important. Symptoms in adults can include: Increased body fat, especially around the waist Decreased muscle mass and strength Reduced bone density (osteoporosis), increasing fracture risk Fatigue and low energy levels Anxiety and depression Decreased sense of well-being Changes in cholesterol levels (e.g., increased LDL, decreased HDL) Insulin resistance, potentially leading to Type 2 diabetes Impaired concentration and memory Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures Diagnosis: Diagnosis typically involves: Physical exam and growth measurements: For children, tracking height and weight over time. Medical history: Including family growth patterns and any relevant past conditions (e.g., brain injury, tumors). Blood tests: To measure levels of growth hormone (which fluctuates, making it challenging to measure directly) and other related hormones and proteins like IGF-I (insulin-like growth factor I) and IGFBP-3 (insulin-like growth factor binding protein). Growth hormone stimulation tests: The patient is given a substance that should stimulate GH release, and blood samples are taken over time to see if GH levels rise sufficiently. Bone age X-rays: An X-ray of the hand and wrist to compare bone development with chronological age. Imaging tests (MRI): Of the head to check for abnormalities in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus. Treatment: The primary treatment for GHD is growth hormone replacement therapy using synthetic human growth hormone. This is typically given as: Daily subcutaneous injections: The most common method, administered into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin. Long-acting formulations: Some newer formulations allow for less frequent injections (e.g., weekly). Key aspects of treatment: Duration: In children, treatment usually continues until growth is complete, often in the late teens. Some individuals may continue treatment into adulthood if they still have GHD. Monitoring: Regular follow-up with an endocrinologist is crucial to monitor growth progress, adjust dosages, and check for side effects. Early intervention: Starting treatment early in childhood generally leads to better outcomes in terms of achieving a normal or near-normal adult height. Addressing other hormone deficiencies: If other pituitary hormones are also deficient, those may need to be replaced as well. Side effects of growth hormone therapy are generally minor and can include headaches, muscle or joint pain, swelling of hands and feet, and redness at the injection site. Your healthcare provider will discuss potential side effects and how to manage them. #sethgsmc #endocrinedisorders Managed by ‪@drshreerajt‬ and ‪@SM_85‬