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Growth hormone deficiency in Sri Lanka: a preliminary study
T de Mel1, N Warnasooriya, C Fonseka
1Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
Insights
Growth hormone deficiency, a cause of short stature, was identified in Sri Lankan children. This study confirms its presence and potential for treatment in the region.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Human Growth and Development
Background:
- Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a significant cause of severe short stature in children.
- Previous documentation of GHD is lacking in Sri Lanka, necessitating local epidemiological data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen a Sri Lankan pediatric population for short stature.
- To investigate the prevalence and aetiology of short stature, specifically identifying cases of GHD.
- To identify children who may benefit from growth hormone therapy.
Main Methods:
- Community screening of 16,001 children aged 5-6 years for short stature using growth charts.
- Diagnostic investigation of 172 identified short children for aetiology.
- Confirmation of GHD using the insulin-induced hypoglycaemia test.
- Identification of potential candidates for growth hormone therapy via an exercise screening test.
Main Results:
- Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) was confirmed in 12 out of 172 investigated children.
- An additional 27 children were identified as potentially benefiting from growth hormone therapy.
- This study represents the first documentation of GHD in Sri Lanka.
Conclusions:
- Growth hormone deficiency is present in the Sri Lankan pediatric population.
- Screening and diagnostic methods can effectively identify children with GHD.
- Findings support the need for further investigation and potential therapeutic interventions for GHD in Sri Lanka.
Abstract:
Growth hormone deficiency is a recognised cause of severe short stature. A community of 16,001 Sri Lankan children aged between 5 and 6 years was screened for short stature using a simple growth chart, and a sample of 172 identified as short was investigated for the aetiology. Growth hormone deficiency was confirmed in 12 out of the 172 children using the insulin-induced hypoglycaemia test. Another group of 27 out of the 172 children who could potentially benefit from growth hormone therapy were identified using an exercise screening test. Growth hormone deficiency has not been previously documented in Sri Lanka.