Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) — Causes and Treatment
GHD occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce enough growth hormone. It can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later due to brain injury or tumors.
Symptoms in Children: Abnormally slow growth, short stature (below the 3rd percentile), and delayed puberty.
Diagnosis: Involves "provocative testing" where medications are given to see if the pituitary gland responds, along with an MRI to check the brain.
Treatment: The standard of care is daily injections of Synthetic Recombinant Growth Hormone, which helps the child catch up to their expected height and supports metabolic health.
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