Download Pituitary Dwarfism By Emily Owen

Pituitary Dwarfism
By Emily Owen
Definition
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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. 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/
1G23447200445.html