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The continuum of growth hormone–IGF‐I axis defects causing short stature: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges
Author(s) -
Savage Martin O.,
Burren Christine P.,
Rosenfeld Ron G.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
clinical endocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.055
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1365-2265
pISSN - 0300-0664
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2009.03775.x
Subject(s) - short stature , idiopathic short stature , growth hormone , endocrinology , growth hormone deficiency , medicine , tall stature , hormone
Summary 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.