Familial occurrence of growth hormone deficiency and primary hypothyroidism

We examined endocrine function in three male siblings with growth hormone (GH) deficiency and primary hypothyroidism. Low GH responses to various provocative tests were revealed in all three. Exaggerated thyrotropin (TSH) responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone increased basal TSH levels, and low free thyroxine levels were also found in all three. Additionally, a low testosterone response to human chorionic gonadotropin and low gonadotropin responses to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone were noted in the youngest sibling. Skull X-ray films, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed no abnormalities of the pituitary gland or sella turcica. The GH gene was intact in all of the children and their parents. We diagnosed all siblings as having GH deficiency and primary hypothyroidism. This is the first report of familial occurrence of GH deficiency and primary hypothyroidism.