Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The delay of diagnosis of idiopathic growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children, would result in delayed management, and would significantly affect final adult height.

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review study for patients seen at the pediatric endocrine clinic at the Jordan University Hospital, over a period of six years. Demographic, clinical, auxological and hormonal characteristics were studied.

Results: There were 87 patients diagnosed with idiopathic GHD, where there were no identified etiology, out of those patients 50 (57.5%) patients were males. Average age at presentation was 9.40±2.90 years and 86.2% were pre-pubertal at presentation. The mean height standard deviation score (SDS) was -2.97±1.02, while mid-parental height SDS was -0.98±0.67. Mean bone age delay was 2.73±0.70 years and insulin growth factoe-1 was 107.0±89.1 ng/ml. There was history of consanguinity in 28 (32.2%) patients, this relatively higher percentage of consanguinity would suggest that there were underlying genetic disorders which were not identified for lack of genetic testing in developing countries.

Conclusion: Diagnosis of idiopathic growth hormone deficiency in children in Jordan was relatively delayed, which results in delayed management and would affect negatively final adult height. Close follow up for growth in children should be an integral part of primary health care systems including developing countries, where such practice may be sub-optimal. Abnormal growth warrants early referral to pediatric endocrinology service for early diagnosis and management.