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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
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Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
Published on: January 7, 2016
Growth without growth hormone (GH): a case report.
Polyzois Makras1, Dimitris Papadogias, Grigoris Kaltsas
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism G. Gennimatas General Hospital, Athens, 115 27 Greece.
Hormones (Athens, Greece)
|September 20, 2006
Summary
Growth without growth hormone (GH) is rare but possible. This study highlights a case of significant height gain in a patient with panhypopituitarism, suggesting hyperinsulinemia may play a role in growth.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Growth Disorders
- Metabolic Syndromes
Background:
- Growth without growth hormone (GH) is infrequently observed in patients with pituitary or idiopathic hormone deficiencies.
- The underlying mechanisms for GH-independent growth remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a unique case of substantial height gain in an adolescent with established panhypopituitarism.
- To investigate potential mechanisms contributing to growth in the absence of GH, focusing on hyperinsulinemia.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 17-year-old male with panhypopituitarism and severe hyperinsulinemia.
- Longitudinal height measurement over 7 years.
- Endocrine evaluation including oral glucose tolerance test to assess insulin response.
Main Results:
- The patient achieved a height increase of 38.5 cm over 7 years despite documented GH insufficiency.
- Severe hyperinsulinemia was confirmed via an exaggerated insulin response to glucose challenge.
- Final height was within or above the patient's target height range.
Conclusions:
- Severe hyperinsulinemia may contribute to growth in patients with GH deficiency, potentially via insulin and/or IGF receptor pathways.
- This case demonstrates that significant height attainment is possible in idiopathic pituitary hormonal deficiency despite persistent GH insufficiency.
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