Hypopituitarism in children and adolescents

Abstract

Growth is one of the most important indicators of child health. This article focuses on hypopituitarism, an endocrine disease with isolated growth hormone deficiency (somatotropic hormone) or multiple deficiency of the pituitary tropic hormones. The authors describe the etiology, genetic mechanisms of the disease development and provide the classification. The clinical picture and its variants, the diagnostic search are described in detail, and the criteria of referral to the endocrinologist are given. A separate chapter is devoted to the detailed discussion of stimulation samples, criteria for samples selection and scheduling. The authors also raise an issue of retesting. The scheme of treatment of hypopituitarism in accordance with domestic and foreign standards is provided. A list of necessary examinations in the framework of observation of a child with hypopituitarism is given.