Growth hormone deficiency (GHD)

If a child produces very little growth hormone, they are described as growth hormone insufficient (GHI).  If they do not produce any growth hormone at all, they are said to be growth hormone deficient (GHD).  These two terms, along with a third term, growth hormone inadequacy, are often used interchangeably.

Growth hormone inadequacy
Growth hormone inadequacy may be present at birth, or it may begin at any time during infancy or childhood, with the most obvious sign being a slowing of growth. It is usually the result of the pituitary gland failing to produce adequate levels of growth hormone. For many people, the cause of their growth hormone inadequacy remains unknown, however, several known causes include:

• A tumour in the pituitary gland
• Treatment of a brain tumour or cancer
• Severe injury to the head

Growth rate
Children who lack growth hormone do not grow at the same rate as other children and are generally smaller than other children of the same age. With growth hormone treatment however, these children can reach an adult height within the normal range. Starting treatment at an early age is very important as a greater difference can be made to final height. If diagnosis and treatment does not occur until later in childhood, good results can still be achieved with strict compliance to treatment.

Treatment
Some children with GHI produce enough growth hormone on their own to enable them to stop the treatment once growth has finished. However some remain growth hormone deficient as adults and may need to continue treatment throughout their lives.

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