1. Pituitary Dwarfism By Emily Owen

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Growth hormone deficiency. (n. d. ). Google Health
Growth hormone deficiency. (n.d.). Google Health. Retrieved from Pituitary Dwarfism. (n.d.).
eCure Me. Retrieved from pituitary_dwarfism.asp Pituitary Dwarfism. (n.d.).
encyclopedia.com. Retrieved from G html