Open AccessHyperphagic short stature: A case report and review of literature
Author(s) -
Varsha S. Jagtap,
Vijaya Sarathi,
Anurag Lila,
Amol Bukan,
Tushar Bandgar,
P. S. N. Me,
Nalini Shah
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
indian journal of endocrinology and metabolism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.456
H-Index - 28
eISSN - 2230-9500
pISSN - 2230-8210
DOI - 10.4103/2230-8210.98026
Subject(s) - short stature , girl , medicine , dwarfism , growth hormone , pediatrics , psychosocial , tall stature , psychiatry , hoarding (animal behavior) , endocrinology , hormone , developmental psychology , psychology , feeding behavior , biochemistry , chemistry , gene
A 5½-year-old adopted girl was referred to us in view of short stature. After ruling out systemic illness, she was evaluated for growth hormone deficiency (GHD) by stimulation tests. The peak value was 3.47 ng/ml. She was then started on growth hormone (GH). At the end of 6 months of GH therapy, her height velocity was only 3 cm/year. There was a lack of attachment between the mother and the child. She had history of hyperphagia, stealing, and hoarding food. Psychiatry consultation confirmed that the child had appetite disorder, and hence was diagnosed as hyperphagic short stature (HSS). The girl and her parents are undergoing psychiatric therapy for the same. Psychosocial dwarfism seems to originate from serious disturbances in the mother-child relationship. These children mimic patients with GHD, but have poor response to GH therapy. This case underscores the importance of social environment in the growth of the individual.