The continuum of growth hormone-IGF-I axis defects causing short stature: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges

Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2010 Jun;72(6):721-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2009.03775.x. Epub 2009 Dec 29.

Abstract

The growth hormone (GH)-IGF-I axis is essential for normal foetal and childhood growth. Defects at different sites in the axis frequently result in short stature which may compromise adult height. We describe a continuum of clinically relevant abnormalities from GH deficiency through to GH resistance and discuss the implementation and interpretation of investigations. We consider appropriate therapy for patients with abnormal auxology and subnormal adult height prognosis, highlighting new data to clarify therapeutic choices leading to optimal clinical outcome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Algorithms
  • Body Height / genetics*
  • Diagnostic Techniques, Endocrine
  • Growth Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Growth Disorders / genetics
  • Growth Disorders / therapy*
  • Human Growth Hormone / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Human Growth Hormone
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I