Hypopituitarism in Children (cont.)

Medical Author:

Robert Ferry Jr., MD

Robert Ferry Jr., MD

Robert Ferry Jr., MD, is a U.S. board-certified Pediatric Endocrinologist. After taking his baccalaureate degree from Yale College, receiving his doctoral degree and residency training in pediatrics at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA), he completed fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

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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.

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Hypopituitarism in Children Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the child's age, underlying cause, and the involved hormone. Signs and symptoms may develop gradually and may not be specific.

• Signs and symptoms that may be present in newborn babies include:
  
  
  • Small genital organs
    
    
  • Jaundice (a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin)
    
    
  • Evidence of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), such as sluggishness, jitteriness, or seizures
    
    
  • Irritability due to diabetes insipidus (a condition in which excessive amounts of urine are passed)
  
  
• In older infants and children, the following signs and symptoms may be present:
  
  
  • Short stature and slow growth; may be associated with delayed tooth development and delayed tooth eruption. Children may fall off their growth curve both in height and /or in weight.
    
    
  • Mental development delay
    
    
  • Increased thirst and urination
    
    
  • Fatigue
    
    
  • Weight gain out of proportion to growth
    
    
  • Absent or delayed puberty
    
    
  • Visual and nervous system problems, such as decreased visual acuity, abnormalities in peripheral vision, or headache