Linear growth characteristics of congenitally GH-deficient infants from birth to one year of age

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Infant Auditory Processing and Event-related Brain Oscillations
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Published on: July 1, 2015

S Pena-Almazan1, J Buchlis, S Miller

  • 1Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital of Buffalo, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, Buffalo, New York 14222, USA.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|December 12, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Congenital growth hormone deficiency (CGHD) does not impact birth length but is crucial for infant growth. Early diagnosis via MRI is vital for managing this condition and ensuring proper development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Birth length in infants with congenital growth hormone deficiency (CGHD) varies, with some studies reporting normal length and others reduced length.
  • CGHD is a condition affecting childhood growth, necessitating a deeper understanding of its impact on early development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the growth patterns of infants diagnosed with CGHD.
  • To identify the primary causes and diagnostic methods for CGHD in newborns.
  • To assess the influence of perinatal factors and associated conditions on CGHD presentation and growth.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 46 infants with CGHD born full-term.
  • Assessment of birth length, length SD scores at 6 and 12 months, and growth hormone (GH) levels post-provocative stimulation.
  • Review of delivery details, perinatal morbidities, pituitary hormone deficiencies, and neuroimaging (MRI/CT scans).

Main Results:

  • Infants with CGHD had normal birth length SD scores, but experienced growth deceleration by 6 and 12 months before treatment.
  • Perinatal morbidities were common (72%), including jaundice, hypoglycemia, and hypoxemia.
  • Multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (85%) and organic lesions in the hypothalamic-pituitary region (confirmed by MRI/CT) were frequently observed.
  • Growth patterns did not significantly differ between hypoglycemic and normoglycemic CGHD infants.

Conclusions:

  • CGHD does not adversely affect fetal growth but is essential for normal linear growth in early infancy.
  • Congenital developmental abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary region are the leading cause of CGHD.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the optimal diagnostic tool for identifying these congenital abnormalities.

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