Pituitary Dwarfism

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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Abnormally short height in childhood may be due to dysfunction of the pituitary gland causing underproduction of growth hormone. A variety of genetic syndromes, a tumor in the pituitary gland, the absence of the pituitary gland, or trauma are some of the known causes of this condition, but in most cases no underlying cause of the deficiency is found.

Growth retardation may become evident in infancy and persists throughout childhood. The "growth curve," demonstrated by plotting sequential height measurements on a standardized growth chart, may range from flat (no growth) to very shallow (minimal growth). Normal puberty may or may not occur, depending on the degree of pituitary insufficiency (inability of the pituitary to produce adequate hormone levels other than growth hormone).

Pituitary dwarfism may be associated with deficiencies of other hormones, including the following:

• thyrotropins (control production of thyroid hormones)
• vasopressin (controls water balance in the body)
• gonadotropins (control production of male and female sex hormones)
• ACTH or adrenocorticotrophic hormone (controls the adrenal gland and its production of cortisol, DHEA, and other hormones)

Physical defects of the face and skull can also be associated with abnormalities of the pituitary or pituitary function. A small percentage of infants with cleft lip and cleft palate have decreased growth hormone levels.