Growth hormone is one of the most important hormones responsible for a child's normal growth and development. It helps increase height, build muscle, strengthen bones, and support metabolism.
Therefore, when there is a deficiency in its secretion from the pituitary gland, the child may exhibit delayed growth compared to their peers. This raises parental concern and necessitates early diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention to avoid complications.
What is growth hormone deficiency
It is a medical condition that occurs when the pituitary gland does not secrete sufficient amounts of growth hormone, which is responsible for increasing height and developing tissues and bones.
This leads to a significant slowdown in the child's growth and may affect their physical and mental health if not detected and treated early.
Causes of growth hormone deficiency in children
- Predisposing factors.
- Head injuries.
- Brain surgeries.
- Central nervous system tumors.
- Pituitary gland or brain tumors.
- The child has undergone radiation or chemotherapy.
- Congenital abnormalities in the child's pituitary gland.
- In some cases, the cause is unknown.
What are the symptoms of growth hormone deficiency in children
Symptoms vary depending on the child's age.
- Delayed onset of puberty.
- Slow growth rate in height and weight.
- Prolonged infantile facial features.
- Delayed eruption of permanent teeth.
- Poor bone and muscle growth.
- Excess body fat, especially in the abdomen.
- Short stature compared to peers of the same age.
Symptoms in infants:
- Low blood sugar.
- Delayed hair growth.
- Delayed nail growth.
How is growth hormone deficiency diagnosed in children
Diagnosis depends on monitoring the child and conducting the necessary tests. The doctor will:
- Monitor height and weight.
- Growth hormone stimulation test.
- Taking a family medical history.
- Measuring growth hormone levels.
- Detecting signs of growth deficiency.
- Note if the child is delayed in puberty.
- A brain MRI may be performed.
- Bone scans to determine the child's age compared to actual age.
How can you protect your child from developing growth hormone deficiency
Protecting your child or reducing the effects of growth hormone deficiency depends on:
- Regular monitoring of the child's growth.
- Maintaining a balanced diet.
- Avoiding head injuries.
- Treating any chronic diseases that may affect growth.
- If the disease is discovered, seek immediate medical attention.
- Follow up with your doctor if there is a family history of the disease.
Available treatment options for your child
- Proper nutrition for the child.
- Treatment of any co-morbidities.
- Psychological and social support.
- Hormone replacement therapy.
- Regular follow-up to ensure response to treatment.
Medications for treating growth hormone deficiency in children
The primary treatment involves injecting the child with synthetic growth hormone, which is similar to the hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. It is administered subcutaneously daily, as recommended by the doctor.
Are there complications of growth hormone deficiency in children
Possible complications if treatment is neglected:
- Noticeable short stature.
- Delayed puberty.
- Increased accumulation of abdominal fat.
- Low self-confidence.
- Poor bone and muscle growth.
- Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- Increased risk of heart disease.
- The child feels fatigued and inactive.
- Increased risk of high cholesterol in the future.
Advice for parents dealing with their affected child
The affected child needs ongoing family support. Therefore, parents should adhere to medical follow-up and not neglect hormonal treatment, while ensuring a balanced diet to support growth.
It is also recommended to encourage the child to engage in appropriate sports to strengthen their bones and muscles, while providing them with the necessary psychological support and confidence so they do not feel different from their peers.
It is also important to educate teachers about the child's condition so they can be considerate and encourage them at school and avoid negative comparisons. Psychological support, along with treatment, is essential for improving a child's life.
Summary of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children
Growth hormone deficiency in children is a disorder caused by a deficiency in the pituitary gland's secretion, leading to slow growth and short stature. It is diagnosed through medical examinations and tests.
Therefore, early intervention, follow-up with a doctor, and family support can help avoid complications and achieve near-normal growth.