1. Pituitary DwarfismBy 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. 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/ 1G2-3447200445.html