12th April 2024

Growth hormone deficiency

Growth hormone is stimulated by GH-releasing hormone and is secreted by the anterior pituitary. Deficiency of this hormone can be due to trauma, surgery, radiotherapy, infections such as TB and pituitary adenomas causing hypopituitarism. It can cause growth delays in children and redistribution of fat, reduced muscle mass, increased fragility fractures and other psychosocial symptoms.

GH deficiency can be diagnosed using the insulin tolerance test. It consists of overnight fasting with later administration of insulin with measurements of glucose, GH and IGF-1 at intervals. Diagnosis is made when the peak GH level is measured below 3 mcg/l. Directly replacing growth hormone is the mainstay of treatment. Risks associated with the use of this drug include fluid retention, arthralgia and myalgia.