How do I know if my child has growth hormone deficiency?

How do I know if my child has growth hormone deficiency?

The main sign of GH deficiency is slow height growth each year after a child’s 3rd birthday. A child with GH deficiency may also have a younger-looking face and a chubby body build. Treatment is done with daily injections of synthetic growth hormone.

What happens if there is a deficiency of growth hormone?

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD), also known as dwarfism or pituitary dwarfism, is a condition caused by insufficient amounts of growth hormone in the body. Children with GHD have abnormally short stature with normal body proportions. GHD can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later (acquired).

When should you suspect the growth hormone deficiency?

Age. Although most cases of idiopathic growth hormone deficiency are thought present at birth, diagnosis is often delayed until concern is raised about short stature. Diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency is made during 2 broad age peaks.

What happens if growth hormone deficiency is not treated?

If growth hormone deficiency goes undiagnosed or untreated, it can lead to other conditions, such as an increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol and osteoporosis.

What age should a child start growth hormone therapy?

GH injections are quick and almost pain-free, so children ages 10 and up may be able to and often prefer to give themselves their own injections. It is important that a parent supervises the injection to make sure the child gives the correct dosage each day. Parents should give the injections to younger children.

Is growth hormone deficiency a rare disease?

Growth hormone deficiency is a rare disease that can be caused by genetic mutations or acquired after birth. Because the patient’s pituitary gland secretes inadequate levels of somatropin, the hormone that causes growth, his or her height will be affected and puberty delayed.

What is the most reliable test for growth hormone deficiency?

GH stimulation tests help to diagnose GH deficiency and hypopituitarism. For a stimulation test, a sample of blood is drawn after 10-12 hours of fasting. Then, under close medical supervision, you are given an intravenous solution of a substance that normally stimulates the release of GH from the pituitary.

Is growth hormone deficiency a disability?

Children with properly documented growth impairments can qualify for disability payments through SSI. Some growth disorders and impairments can be seen at birth, while others are noticed when your child fails to keep pace with other children their age with regards to growth.

How expensive is growth hormone treatment?

The price of treatment ranges from $10,000 to $60,000 annually. That works out to a cost of about $52,000 an inch. And insurance coverage for the shots varies.

How do I know if my child has growth hormone deficiency? The main sign of GH deficiency is slow height growth each year after a child’s 3rd birthday. A child with GH deficiency may also have a younger-looking face and a chubby body build. Treatment is done with daily injections of synthetic growth hormone. What…