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Isolated growth hormone deficiency after severe head trauma
I Eichler1, H Frisch, H G Eichler
1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Vienna, Austria.
Insights
Severe head trauma caused growth arrest in a 12-year-old boy due to isolated growth hormone deficiency. Growth hormone (GH) therapy successfully restored growth, indicating pituitary gland involvement.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Traumatic Brain Injury
Background:
- Severe head trauma can disrupt pituitary function, leading to hormonal imbalances.
- Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is a potential consequence of such injuries, impacting physical development.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy experienced growth arrest following significant head trauma.
- Endocrine evaluation revealed isolated GH deficiency, unresponsive to GH-releasing factor stimulation.
- This suggested the pituitary gland as the site of the lesion.
Findings:
- Growth hormone substitution therapy was initiated.
- Biochemical markers, including somatomedin levels, showed a positive response.
- Clinical assessment confirmed catch-up growth in the patient.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of comprehensive endocrine assessment after head trauma in children.
- Prompt GH therapy can effectively reverse growth arrest caused by pituitary damage.
- Understanding the neuroendocrine sequelae of head injury is crucial for pediatric care.
Abstract:
In a 12-yr-old boy growth arrest occurred after severe head trauma. Evaluation of pituitary endocrine function revealed isolated growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Lack of GH response to GH-releasing factor indicated that the responsible lesion was most likely to be localized in the pituitary gland. GH substitution resulted in biochemical (somatomedin increase) and clinical (catch up growth) response.