Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2025

Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
Published on: January 7, 2016
Epidemiology of growth hormone deficiency in children and adolescents: a systematic review
Chiara Mameli1,2, Liliana Guadagni3, Massimiliano Orso4
1Department of Pediatrics, Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy.
Insights
This systematic review found that pediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD) prevalence varies widely, with most studies focusing on European populations. More international research is needed to understand global GHD epidemiology for better resource allocation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a primary cause of short stature in children.
- Accurate epidemiological data is crucial for understanding GHD's global burden and informing healthcare resource allocation.
Approach:
- A systematic review of epidemiological studies on pediatric GHD was conducted.
- Searches were performed across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to July 2023.
- Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers.
Key Points:
- Nine epidemiological studies published between 1974 and 2022 were included.
- Prevalence estimates ranged from 1/1107 to 1/8,646, with incidence rates varying from 1/28,800 to 1/46,700 annually.
- Significant heterogeneity was observed in study populations, diagnostic criteria, and GHD etiology.
Conclusions:
- Current epidemiological estimates for pediatric GHD are largely based on European data and cannot be generalized globally.
- International multicenter studies are essential to compare GHD epidemiology across diverse ethnic groups.
- Precise GHD data is vital for effective resource allocation, especially considering the cost of human recombinant growth hormone therapy.
Objective:
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is the most common pituitary hormone deficiency and is one of the main causes of short stature in children and adolescents. The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology of pediatric GHD worldwide, since no other systematic review has been published so far.
Methods:
We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to July 2023 to find epidemiological studies involving children with GHD. Two review authors independently screened articles, extracted data and performed the quality assessment.
Results:
We selected 9 epidemiological studies published from 1974 to 2022. The range of prevalence was 1/1107-1/8,646. A study based on a registry of GH users in the Piedmont region (Italy) reported the highest mean prevalence. In the included studies, the mean incidence ranged from 1/28,800 to 1/46,700 cases per year. One study reported a 20-year cumulative incidence of 127/100,000 for boys and 93/100,000 for girls. Studies were heterogeneous in terms of population (age and GHD etiology) and diagnostic criteria. As for the methodological quality of included studies, all but one study satisfied the majority of the checklist items.
Conclusions:
The included studies are mostly European, so the provided estimates cannot be considered global. International multicentre studies are needed to compare epidemiological estimates of GHD among different ethnical groups. Considering the considerable cost of human recombinant GH, the only available therapy to treat GHD, understanding accurate epidemiological estimates of GHD in each country is fundamental for resource allocation.
Related Concept Videos
Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...
Nature and Nurture
Hypoglycemia and Glucagon
Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Signs of Puberty

