About Us | Privacy | Site Map
June 19, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A
«Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
...
Next»

Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children (cont.)

Medical Author:
Stephen Kemp, MD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children

  • The doctor will ask about the patient's medical history. The doctor may also ask about the heights of the child's parents and other family members.
  • The doctor may ask about growth and maturation (the process of becoming fully developed) in family members.
  • The doctor may ask about the child's past growth patterns. These can be obtained from the doctor's office, schools, or even measurements taken at home.
  • The doctor may take measurements of the child's height and weight. The best way to evaluate height and weight measurements is to plot them on a growth chart. A growth chart shows the child's growth over a period of time. This allows the child's measurements to be compared with the measurements of other children that are his or her exact age.
  • The doctor or health care professional may perform tests to rule out other causes of growth delay:
    • Thyroxin and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels to test for hypothyroidism (decreased production of thyroid hormone)
    • Serum electrolytes to test for certain kidney conditions
    • A complete blood count
    • Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) (proteins that depend on growth hormone and are involved in producing the effects of growth hormone)
  • X-rays may be obtained to check the child's bone maturation.
  • A test to check the child's growth hormone secretion may be performed. Insulin may be given by IV to stimulate growth hormone secretion. Measurements of growth hormone may then be obtained over several hours.
  • A karyotype (a study of a person's chromosomes) may be performed in girls to rule out Turner syndrome. Occasionally a karyotype may be performed on boys, as well.

Must Read Articles Related to Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children

Anatomy of the Endocrine System
Anatomy of the Endocrine System The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce and secrete hormones. The glands that make up the endocrine system include the hypothalamus, pituitary, t...learn more >>
Growth Hormone Deficiency FAQs
Growth Hormone Deficiency FAQs Growth hormone deficiency is a disorder that involves the pituitary gland (a small gland located at the base of the brain). This gland produces growth hormone a...learn more >>
See the Entire Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children Topic Guide »
Print

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children - Cause

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What was the cause of your child's growth hormone deficiency?

Submit Your Comment

Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children - Treatment

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

How was your child's growth hormone deficiency treated?

Submit Your Comment
Print
Privacy Policy

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Growth Hormone Deficiency »

Many European paintings, particularly those of the Spanish Court, portray people with extremely short stature who may have had growth hormone deficiency (GHD).

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Featured Topics

Topics Related to Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children

Thyroid & Metabolism Topics

Medical Dictionary


or A-Z List
Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies