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Welcome to the glossary
This glossary is intended to give you general information about words and terms associated with growth hormone deficiency (GHD).
Acquired GHD
Occurs when damage to the pituitary gland leads to the onset of GHD after birth, which can happen at any age, including during childhood.
Bone Age Assessment
X-rays of a child’s hand and wrist that are taken to assess bone age, which can provide information about their growth potential.
Bone Development
GHD can lead to delays in bone maturation and development, potentially resulting in a reduced bone mineral density.
Congenital GHD
This means GHD is present at birth due to genetic mutations or issues with the structure of the baby’s brain.
Delayed Dentition
The emergence of a tooth into the oral cavity at a time that deviates significantly from norms established for different races, ethnicities, and sexes. Primary and secondary teeth may be delayed in children with GHD.
Delayed Growth Milestones
Children with GHD may experience delays in reaching growth milestones, such as being shorter than expected at specific ages.
Delayed Puberty
GHD can lead to a delay in the onset of puberty, characterized by delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development in girls and the deepening of the voice in boys.
Endocrinologist
Specially trained physicians who diagnose diseases related to the glands. Such conditions can have hard-to-spot symptoms. An endocrinologist is the best advocate when dealing with these issues.
Genetic Height Potential
A child’s projected adult height based on the heights of the parents: in girls, the father’s height minus 5 inches is averaged with the mother’s height; in boys, the mother’s height plus 5 inches is averaged with the father’s height.
Genetic Testing
Testing to identify underlying genetic causes of GHD. It identifies changes in genes, chromosomes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a condition or help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.
Growth Charts
A pediatrician may use growth charts to track the child’s growth over time. If there’s a significant deviation from the normal growth curve, it could be an indicator of a growth hormone (GH) issue.
Growth Hormone
Growth hormone is made by the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain. Growth hormone promotes normal longitudinal growth, muscle and bone strength, and distribution of body fat.
Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD)
A condition caused by insufficient amounts of growth hormone in the body. Children with GHD have shorter stature than what is normal.
Growth Plates
Growth plates are the areas of active, new bone growth near the ends of bones. They’re made up of cartilage, a rubbery, flexible material.
Idiopathic GHD
This term means there are no known causes for the growth hormone deficiency.
Imaging studies
In some cases, imaging studies like MRI or CT scans may be recommended to examine the structure of the pituitary gland, which is responsible for producing GH.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Some children with GHD may experience episodes of low blood sugar, leading to symptoms such as irritability, weakness, and shakiness.
Pediatric Endocrinologist
Specially trained physicians who diagnose diseases in children related to the endocrine glands. These conditions can have hard-to-spot symptoms. An endocrinologist is your best advocate when dealing with these issues.
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary is a small endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. It regulates growth, metabolism, and reproduction through the hormones it produces.
Prior Authorization
When a healthcare provider obtains advance approval from a health insurance plan before a specific service is delivered.
Puberty
Puberty is when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys. It causes physical changes, and affects boys and girls differently.
Short Stature
One of the most noticeable signs is slower than normal growth in children with GHD, resulting in a shorter height compared to their peers.
Somatropin
A synthetic form of human growth hormone used to treat GHD in children.
Specialty Pharmacy
Specialty pharmacies help simplify the delivery process, offering doorstep delivery and assistance in managing costs.
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