Related Experiment Videos
Growth hormone deficiency: analysis of 49 patients
Abstract:
In a survey of 49 children idiopathic growth hormone deficiency, a sex ratio of 3 : 2 was found. Multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) was seen in 31 and isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) in 18 cases. The incidence of breech delivery was 32.5%; it occurred more frequently in MPHD than in IGHD. In one family there were two affected brothers whose birth weight was 4800 and 4900 g, respectively, and who were extremely retarded in growth. Screening of 594 children 1 to 9 years of age with cleft lip and palate was carried out; 1 child with growth hormone deficiency was detected. A study of the value of different thyroid hormones in the diagnosis of secondary and tertiary hypothyroidism showed that in spite of low free thyroxin concentrations the thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels are often normal. The discrepancy is probably due to a significantly higher plasma level of thyroxine-binding globulin demonstrated in children with hypopituitarism.
Insights
Idiopathic growth hormone deficiency affects children, with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency more common than isolated deficiency. Breech delivery was more frequent in multiple pituitary hormone deficiency cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) and multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) are significant pediatric endocrine disorders.
- Understanding the epidemiology and associated factors of these conditions is crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
- Previous studies have highlighted various potential etiological factors and diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of idiopathic growth hormone deficiency in a cohort of children.
- To explore the association between breech delivery and the type of growth hormone deficiency (IGHD vs. MPHD).
- To examine the diagnostic utility of thyroid hormone levels in children with hypopituitarism.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 49 children diagnosed with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency was conducted.
- Data on sex ratio, type of deficiency (MPHD vs. IGHD), and delivery method were collected.
- Thyroid hormone levels and thyroxine-binding globulin were analyzed in relation to hypopituitarism.
Main Results:
- The study found a sex ratio of 3:2 among children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency.
- Multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) was observed in 31 cases, while isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) occurred in 18 cases.
- Breech delivery was noted in 32.5% of cases, with a higher incidence in MPHD compared to IGHD.
- A single case of growth hormone deficiency was detected in a screening of 594 children with cleft lip and palate.
- In secondary and tertiary hypothyroidism, normal thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels were observed despite low free thyroxine, linked to elevated thyroxine-binding globulin in hypopituitarism.
Conclusions:
- Idiopathic growth hormone deficiency presents with varying patterns of pituitary involvement.
- Breech delivery may be a relevant factor associated with MPHD.
- Thyroid hormone level interpretation in pediatric hypopituitarism requires consideration of thyroxine-binding globulin levels.