What are the symptoms of growth hormone deficiency in children

The main manifestations of growth hormone deficiency in children are slow height growth, delayed bone age, and immature facial features. Common symptoms include lower growth rate than peers, abnormal body fat distribution, muscular dysplasia, delayed puberty, and a tendency towards hypoglycemia.

1. Delayed growth:

The child's annual growth rate is less than 4 centimeters, and their height is consistently below the 3rd percentile of the standard curve for children of the same age and gender. The growth curve shows a significant deviation, which is inconsistent with genetic potential and may be accompanied by normal limb proportions but relatively short trunk.

2. Abnormal body fat:

Typical manifestations include significant accumulation of abdominal fat, plump cheeks with a "baby face" appearance, but less muscle mass in the limbs. This special posture is related to the weakened effect of growth hormone on fat breakdown, and laboratory tests have found a decrease in serum insulin-like growth factor 1 levels.

3. Delayed bone age:

X-ray examination of the wrist shows a delay of more than 2 years in bone maturity compared to actual age, and a delay in epiphyseal closure time. The order of tooth eruption may be abnormal, and the time for deciduous tooth loss and permanent tooth replacement is significantly delayed compared to children of the same age.

4. Delayed development: On average, the onset of puberty is delayed by 2-3 years, and boys may exhibit symptoms such as small penis and cryptorchidism. Some children have insufficient secretion of gonadotropins, leading to incomplete development of secondary sexual characteristics and delayed breast development in females.

5. Metabolic abnormalities:

Low fasting blood glucose is common in infants and young children, which may manifest as low blood sugar reactions such as irritability and sweating. Some children have dyslipidemia, decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood.

For children suspected of lacking growth hormone, it is recommended to regularly monitor their height and weight change curves to ensure a daily protein intake of 1.5-2 grams per kilogram of body weight, and engage in appropriate vertical exercises such as skipping rope and basketball. The sleep time should ensure 10-13 hours for preschool children and 9-11 hours for school aged children. The secretion of growth hormone during deep sleep accounts for 70% of the total daily amount. It is recommended to undergo bone age assessment every 3-6 months. If the annual growth rate remains below 4 centimeters or the height standard deviation score is below -2.5, it is necessary to promptly seek medical attention from a pediatric endocrinology specialist for systematic examinations such as growth hormone stimulation tests.