Pituitary Dwarfism By Emily Owen
Definition Abnormally short height in childhood due to the lack of growth hormone Often referred to as growth hormone deficiency People with pituitary dwarfism lack growth hormone that is produced in the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain.
Etiology (causes) Most of the time there is no cause However, since your pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, pituitary dwarfism can be caused by severe brain injury
Signs and symptoms Obvious sign is kids being much shorter then kids of the same age and gender Children with pituitary dwarfism have a slow rate of growth. Usually less than two inches per year. Children of this disorder still have normal intelligence and capabilities
Diagnostic procedures Pediatric nurses chart child’s growth rates and those with the disorder will not follow the normal growth curve The growth curve of children with pituitary dwarfism shows no growth or minimal growth X-rays to determine bone age can also help with the diagnosis
Treatments Growth hormone injections given at home several times a week or daily Most common side effects include fluid retention and muscle and joint aches
Prognosis Depends on whether there’s any permanent damage and the age of the child Earlier treated, the better chance child will grow to average adult height Growth improvement of the injections slowly decrease
Prevention There is no preventing pituitary dwarfism In some cases it may be caused by traumatic injury to the pituitary gland Children with this disorder are smaller then others however, are just as smart and can lead long healthy lives
Growth hormone deficiency. (n. d. ). Google Health Growth hormone deficiency. (n.d.). Google Health. Retrieved from https://health.google.com/health/ref/Growth+hormone+deficiency Pituitary Dwarfism. (n.d.). eCure Me. Retrieved from http://www.ecureme.com/emyhealth/pediatrics/ pituitary_dwarfism.asp Pituitary Dwarfism. (n.d.). encyclopedia.com. Retrieved from http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/ 1G2-3447200445.html