Growth Hormone Disorders in Sharjah

What are growth hormone disorders?

Growth hormone disorders are conditions in which the pituitary gland releases too little or too much growth hormone. In children, growth hormone drives the lengthening of bones at the growth plates near the ends of the long bones. In adults, it keeps working throughout life, helping to maintain muscle, bone strength, a healthy balance of body fat and energy levels. At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, the endocrinology team assesses and treats growth hormone disorders, working with the Pediatrics team for children.

Growth hormone is released in pulses, mostly during deep sleep, so a single random blood level says very little. This is why diagnosis relies on special tests, growth patterns and a related marker called IGF-1, which the liver makes in response to growth hormone and which stays steadier through the day.

The main conditions are:

• Growth hormone deficiency in children, causing slow growth, a younger-looking face and delayed puberty
• Adult growth hormone deficiency, usually after pituitary tumours, surgery, radiotherapy or head injury
• Growth hormone excess, called gigantism when it starts before the growth plates close and acromegaly when it starts in adulthood, almost always from a pituitary tumour described on the pituitary disorders page

Who needs it

For children, the most telling sign is the speed of growth. A child who is short but growing steadily along a line on the growth chart is usually following their family pattern. A child whose height crosses downward through the lines on the chart over time needs assessment. Referral from a growth and development check is common, and the wider range of childhood hormone problems is covered on the children's endocrine conditions page.

Children are usually assessed when they have:

• growth that is slowing, with height falling across the centile lines
• height well below what the parents' heights predict
• a history of low blood sugar or prolonged jaundice as a newborn, or a small penis in a baby boy
• a previous brain tumour, radiotherapy or head injury

Adults are usually assessed when they have:

• a known pituitary condition, pituitary surgery or radiotherapy to the head
• childhood growth hormone treatment, to recheck the need at the end of growth
• tiredness, reduced muscle strength, increased fat around the middle, low mood and thinning bones after pituitary disease
• enlarging hands, feet or jaw, spacing teeth, heavy sweating or snoring, which suggest excess

What happens

For a child, the team measures height accurately, calculates growth speed from previous measurements, compares height with the parents' heights and examines for other causes such as thyroid, bowel or kidney problems. An X-ray of the left hand and wrist gives a bone age, which shows how much growing time remains.

Blood tests check IGF-1, thyroid function and other hormones. When deficiency is suspected, a growth hormone stimulation test follows: a medicine that prompts growth hormone release is given under supervision, and blood samples are taken over a few hours. A pituitary MRI is arranged if deficiency is confirmed.

Adults follow a similar path, with IGF-1, a stimulation test where appropriate, and a full check of the other pituitary hormones. For suspected excess, the key test is a glucose drink followed by blood samples, since sugar normally switches growth hormone down.

Treatment of deficiency uses growth hormone given as an injection under the skin with a small pen device, at home, usually in the evening to match the body's own rhythm. Children continue until growth slows and the growth plates close. Excess is treated by removing or controlling its pituitary cause.

Preparing for it

For a child, bring every height and weight measurement you have, from baby records, school checks and earlier doctor visits, since the pattern over time matters most. Know the parents' heights, measured if possible, and the ages each parent started puberty.

For stimulation tests, the child or adult usually fasts overnight and spends a morning in the clinic. Bring snacks for afterwards, something to pass the time and a list of all medicines.

Afterwards

Children on growth hormone treatment are measured at regular clinic visits, with blood tests to adjust the dose as they grow. Rotating the injection site keeps the skin healthy. Store the pens in the fridge and use a cool bag for travel and on hot days in Sharjah, since heat can damage the hormone. During Ramadan, children who fast and adults on treatment can keep evening doses, and the team can advise on timing.

Contact the hospital if a child on treatment develops a limp or hip or knee pain, persistent headaches, or changes in vision. **Go to the emergency department straight away if a child or adult with pituitary hormone deficiency has vomiting, drowsiness or collapse.**

Cost and insurance

Growth hormone testing and treatment usually need pre-approval from UAE insurers, supported by growth measurements and test results. Treatment for confirmed childhood deficiency is more often covered than treatment for short stature without deficiency or for adult deficiency, which some plans exclude. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.