Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency Overview
Growth hormone is made and released by the pituitary gland (which is located in the brain), then it is delivered to many different parts of the body. The body has many hormones that help a child's growth and development. The most important of them is growth hormone. Growth Hormone is important for bone growth and strength, muscle development, and for sugar and fat metabolism. Growth Hormone Deficiency is when the pituitary gland does not produce enough Growth Hormone. The most visible sign of Growth Hormone Deficiency is being short for his/her age. As a result, the child may not grow to his or her full height if left untreated.
In some children, growth hormone deficiency happens because of a mutation, or change, in one of their genes. In other children, growth hormone deficiency happens because of tumors, radiation treatment for cancer, severe head trauma, infection or surgical removal of the pituitary gland. In most children, the reason is not known.
When short stature is caused by growth hormone deficiency, growth hormone (somatropin) replacement therapy is the treatment of choice. There are several different brands of growth hormone which are made to be, and act just like a child's growth hormone that is produced in their body.
Living with Growth Hormone Deficiency
Most children treated with growth hormone will have better growth rates.
Because Growth Hormone is a "man-made" protein, side effects don't occur often. However, you should be aware of the side effects your child could have. Be sure to report any of the following problems to your child's doctor: leg bone pain, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, hand joint problems, swelling of the hands and feet, increased urination, or increased thirst. Some of the effects may go away after the body is used to the medicine and all of the side effects will go away if the growth hormone is stopped.
Growth hormone is given by an injection, or shot, because it won't work if taken by mouth. If your child takes this medicine at home, it is important to use it the right way. Follow these tips:
- Make sure to store the medicine correctly, as directed. Keep it away from heat and light. Medication not stored correctly or used after it is outdated may not work as well as it should.
- Make sure that you know how to prepare the medicine and give the shots correctly.
- Follow directions about changing the places on the body where you give shots.
- Follow the directions you've been given about what to do with used needles.
- Read any patient information and directions you receive each time your child's prescription is filled.
- Give the amount of medication that your doctor or the label directs you to. Not all children will need the same amount. Do not change your child's dose unless told.
Knowing about your child's medicine will let you help your child get good results. To learn more about growth hormone deficiency, please visit: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001176.htm
Healthy Pointers:
- Make sure your child eats a well-balanced diet and gets plenty of exercise.
- It will help your child to understand why he or she is taking the medicine, and what to expect from it. Ask your doctor for help in explaining.
- For best results from your child's medicine, use it as directed. Be careful not to miss doses.
- Make sure that your doctor knows about any other health problems your child has. You should also tell your doctor about any other medicines your child takes.
- Bring your child to the doctor regularly so the doctor can keep track of how he or she is doing.
Questions? Call us at 1.888.282.5166 or email us.
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