Growth Hormone Deficiency

Providing the most current information on the function of human growth hormone (GH) and the consequences of its deficiency, this practical yet comprehensive text is divided into three sections. Part one describes the mechanisms of GH secretion and action, including the physiology of GH and its regulation by sex steroids and thyroid hormones, the effects of both under nutrition and obesity on GH secretion, and the metabolic effects of human recombinant GH therapy. The second section covers diagnostic strategies and tests for GH deficiency in both children and adults, including MRI of the pituitary. The final section describes the different etiologies of GH deficiency, from molecular mechanisms and gene abnormalities to cranial radiation and traumatic brain injury, along with syndromes related to this deficiency. Presenting underlying mechanisms and pathologies, as well as diagnostic methods, Growth Hormone Deficiency will provide the most up-to-date essential information and evidence on this condition for the clinical endocrinologist.

1. Introduction: Discovery of Growth Hormone and Synthesis of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone.- Part I Mechanisms of Human Growth Hormone Secretion and Action.- 2.  Growth Hormone Physiology.- 3. Sex Steroids and Growth.- 4. Influence of Thyroid Hormone on Growth Hormone Secretion and Action.- 5. Undernutrition, Inflammation and Catabolic Illness and Growth Hormone Secretion.- 6. Obesity and Growth Hormone Secretion.- 7. Metabolic Benefits of Growth Hormone Therapy.- Part II Diagnosis of Human Growth Hormone Deficiency.- 8. Laboratory Diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children.- 9. Laboratory Diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults.- 10. Pituitary Gland Imaging in Growth Hormone Deficiency.- Part III Etiologies of Human Growth Hormone Deficiency.- 11. Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Receptor and Growth Hormone Gene Abnormalities.- 12. Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency.- 13. Cranial Radiation and Growth Hormone Deficiency.- 14. Traumatic Brain Injury and Growth Hormone Deficiency.- 15. Syndromes Associated with Growth Hormone Deficiency.