GHD
- Growth hormone deficiency
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a condition, in which a child’s body fails to produce adequate amounts of growth hormone, resulting in growth retardation.
GHD may be present at birth, or it may begin at any time during infancy or childhood. It is usually the result of the pituitary gland failing to produce adequate levels of growth hormone.
For most patients, the cause of growth hormone deficiency remains unknown. However, there are also several known causes, including:
- A tumour in the pituitary region
- Treatment of a brain tumour or cancer
- A genetic disorder
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Without treatment, children with GHD grow slowly and reach a final height of approximately 20 - 45 cm below what would otherwise be expected. With growth hormone therapy, these children can reach an adult height within the normal range.
Some children with GHD produce enough growth hormone on their own that they may stop the treatment once growth has finished. However some produce very little and may need to continue treatment throughout their lives.
