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Crohn's disease associated with growth hormone secretory dysfunction
1Third Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama University Medical School.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|February 1, 1995
Summary
A boy with growth hormone deficiency experienced severe growth retardation and gastrointestinal issues. Crohn's disease diagnosis and prednisolone treatment improved his symptoms and growth hormone function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) deficiency can cause severe growth retardation in children.
- Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
- The interplay between endocrine dysfunction and inflammatory conditions in pediatric patients requires further investigation.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old boy presented with vomiting, abdominal distension, and severe growth retardation.
- Initial endocrinologic evaluation revealed growth hormone (GH) secretory dysfunction.
- Despite initial growth with recombinant human GH (rhGH), treatment was discontinued, leading to persistent short stature.
Findings:
- Readmitted at age 16, the patient exhibited short stature and malnutrition.
- Radiologic and histologic findings confirmed Crohn's disease, characterized by intestinal stenosis and a cobblestone appearance.
- Treatment with prednisolone resolved gastrointestinal symptoms and improved GH secretory function.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential link between Crohn's disease and secondary growth hormone dysfunction in pediatric patients.
- Early diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease may be crucial for addressing associated endocrine abnormalities.
- The findings suggest that treating gastrointestinal inflammation can positively impact endocrine function and overall growth in affected children.