Growth Hormone Deficiency Causes in Children

Growth hormone deficiency may be congenital (condition that is present at birth). The cause of congenital growth hormone deficiency may be associated with an abnormal pituitary gland, or it may be a part of another syndrome. Growth hormone deficiency may also be acquired (a condition obtained after birth). Acquired causes include trauma, infections, radiation to the head, and other diseases (eg, brain tumors). Apparent growth hormone deficiency may occur when the body is unable to respond to growth hormone. In this case, there are high levels being made by the pituitary gland and circulating in the blood, which are ineffective. This condition tends to run in families, but it may occur in an individual with no family history. In some cases, no cause can be found.