[Nanism caused by water deprivation, with transitory growth hormone deficiency]

Report of a case of a girl admitted for alcoholic poisoning then for a toxic syndrome with considerable hypernatremia. Clinical examination showed a dwarfism (-4 S.D.) with break of the growth curve and bone-age retardation. History revealed cruelty and thirsting since the age of 2 years. Isolated somatotropin insufficiency was found. Separation from the family and free drinking induced a spectacular recovery of growth and normalization of growth hormone level. The relative role and relationships between growth hormone deficiency and chronic dehydration due to water deprivation in the physiopathology of dwarfism due to frustration are discussed.