Pediatric Growth Disease

What is a pediatric growth disease?

A pediatric growth disease refers to various disorders that affect a child’s growth and development. Some children are small for their age but develop normally. 

However, with a pediatric growth disease, children have an underlying condition or disorder that prevents them from developing and growing into their normal height or weight. A pediatric growth disease may also affect sexual maturity and physical features. 

What causes a pediatric growth disease?

There are many growth disorders that may cause a pediatric growth disease. Some of these disorders include:

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency

With a GH deficiency, the pituitary gland fails to produce enough of the growth hormone because of malfunction or damage to the endocrine gland. GH deficiency affects normal growth and development.

Endocrine disease

Endocrine disease is a condition in which the hormones, also known as the chemical messengers, are out of balance.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism means there’s a decrease in thyroid hormone production. Thyroid hormones promote steady bone growth. Hypothyroidism impairs bone growth in children, affecting height. 

Turner syndrome

Turner syndrome is a genetic condition and a common growth disorder. 

Illnesses that affect the entire body, such as heart disease, diabetes, or a gastrointestinal condition, may affect a child’s growth. Excessive stress may also affect growth and development.

How is a pediatric growth disease diagnosed?

Constant observation is the best way to diagnose a pediatric growth disease. When a growth disorder is suspected, Dr. Sean P. Nikravan, MD, FACE, runs blood tests to check for abnormal chromosomes and changes in hormone levels.

A child may also need bone X-rays to properly diagnose the growth disease. 

How is pediatric growth disease treated?

Getting an early diagnosis and treatment plan in place may help your child increase their final height. Treatment for a pediatric growth disease depends on the cause. 

If an underlying medical issue is the cause of your child’s delay in growth and development, then the endocrinologist focuses on treating that condition. For example, if your child’s growth disease is due to hypothyroidism, treatment includes thyroid hormone replacement. 

Dr. Sean P. Nikravan, MD, FACE, may also suggest counseling for children who feel self-conscious about their short stature. 

Delays in your child’s growth and development may be the first sign of an underlying health condition. For a comprehensive pediatric growth disease evaluation, call Dr. Sean P. Nikravan, MD, FACE, or book an appointment online today.