Courtesy of UBMD Endocrinology

Pediatric growth hormone deficiency (PGHD) affects approximately 1 in 4,000 to 10,000 children. Although it is relatively rare, PGHD can significantly impact a child’s growth and development, resulting in short stature, delayed puberty, decreased muscle mass, delayed bone maturation, and psychosocial effects. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, children with PGHD can achieve better growth outcomes and lead healthy lives.

What is PGHD?

Growth hormone plays a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of young bodies, including enhancing muscle metabolism, promoting bone growth, and facilitating the breakdown of fat. PGHD occurs when a child’s pituitary gland is unable to produce enough growth hormone. Children with PGHD may appear younger than their peers of the same age and gender, and puberty may be delayed or absent. Insufficient levels of growth hormone may also affect muscle development, metabolism, and bone strength. While growth hormone stimulates height increase during development, its role in the body extends beyond childhood. Even after growth plates close, growth hormone continues to play a vital role in cardiovascular health and maintaining the standard structure and metabolism of the body. Research also indicates osteoporosis as a long-term consequence of PGHD, highlighting its importance in overall health and well-being.

What are the symptoms?

PGHD may be noticeable during infancy or may not present until later in childhood. Children with PGHD often have typical body proportions but exhibit noticeably slow growth. Other symptoms may include a younger or less mature appearance compared to other children of the same age, a chubby body type, slow hair and nail growth, delayed tooth eruption, and episodes of low blood sugar. Children who have suffered a brain injury, brain tumor, or undergone radiation treatment to the head are at a higher risk for PGHD. Genetic factors can also elevate this risk.

How are children diagnosed?

Generally, doctors try to rule out other causes of slow growth, which may include genetic short stature, poor nutrition due to an underlying condition such as celiac disease, and other genetic disorders like hypothyroidism or Turner syndrome. X-rays can evaluate bone age, and imaging can help identify the location of the pituitary gland, both of which can aid in diagnosis. Another common screening option is a growth hormone stimulation test, in which medications are given to trigger the release of growth hormone, and blood is drawn frequently to monitor the body’s response.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, children with PGHD often collaborate closely with an endocrinologist to develop a treatment plan that includes growth hormone replacement therapy and monitors future growth. Dosing is based on weight and requires ongoing monitoring for adjustments. Traditionally, treatment was administered through daily injections; however, more recently, weekly injections have emerged as an alternative option.

Children with PGHD who start treatment early in life are more likely to achieve an adult height that aligns with their family’s stature. Learn more about PGHD at GHDinKids.com. If you think your child may have PGHD, contact UBMD Pediatric Endocrinology at 716-323-0170. Learn more at https://www.ubmd.com/practice-locations/practices/pediatrics/endocrinology.html.