Evaluation of cases with growth hormone deficiency

Abstract

Aim:The purpose of this study was to elicit data concerning the clinical and laboratory features of children with growth hormone deficiency monitored by the Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism Polyclinic in order to produce useful information for future cases. Methods: The medical records of 185 patients diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency at the Dr. Behçet Uz Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery Research Hospital Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism Polyclinic were examined retrospectively. The subjects were allocated into 4 groups according to the cause of growth hormone deficiency. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were assessed and compared across these groups. Results: One hundred and fifty-four patients were diagnosed with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency, 16 (8.6%) with combined growth hormone deficiency, 13 (7%) with Turner’s Syndrome, and 2 (1.1%) with chronic renal failure. On the other hand, the most common accompanying hormone deficiency was TSH deficiency, determined in 21 (11.4%) patients. Two or more hormone deficiencies were present in 10 (5.4%) patients. Intracranial pathologies were present in 15.6% of the idiopathic growth hormone deficiency group and 81.2% of the combined growth hormone deficiency group. Bone age, height SDS, and stimulation test peak responses were significantly lower in the combined growth hormone deficiency group than in the other groups. Conclusion: The principal risk factors determining prognosis in cases of growth hormone deficiency are etiology, accompanying hormonal or chromosomal disorders, and early treatment.

Keywords

• growth hormone deficiency
• height sds
• etiology
• büyüme hormon eksikliği
• boy sds
• etyoloji