Pituitary dwarfism

Encyclopedia of Medicine, Apr 06, 2001 by Tish Davidson

Untreated pituitary dwarfs who lack multiple pituitary hormones often die. The success of multiple hormone replacement therapy depends on which hormones are absent, the severity of the deficit, and the age at which replacement begins. These children usually have serious medical problems throughout their lives.

Most cases of pituitary dwarfism are not preventable. The exception is pituitary dwarfism brought about by environmental conditions. Preventing children from living in severely neglectful conditions will prevent this cause of dwarfism.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)An anterior pituitary hormone that acts on the cells of the adrenal cortex, causing these cells to produce male sex hormones and hormones that control water and mineral balance in the body. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)A posterior pituitary hormone (also called vasopressin) that acts on the kidneys to help control the fluid balance in the body. ArginineAn amino acid that is an essential component of many proteins made by the body. Injecting arginine into the circulatory system will cause a temporary rise in the production of growth hormone in normal individuals. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)An anterior pituitary hormone that, in females, causes the release of estrogens and, in males, is one of the hormones that stimulates sperm production. HormoneA substance secreted by one organ in the body (such as the pituitary gland) that is carried by the circulatory system to another place in the body, to produce an effect on a specific organ or tissue. Luteinizing hormone (LH) An anterior pituitary hormone that, in females, helps regulate the menstrual cycle and triggers ovulation and, in males, stimulates the cells of the testes to secrete testosterone. OxytocinA posterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the uterus to contract during birthing and causes the breasts to release milk when a baby begins to suckle. ProlactinAn anterior pituitary hormone that prepares the breasts to produce milk during pregnancy. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)An anterior pituitary hormone (also called thyrotropin) that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones that regulate the rate of cellular metabolism.

• Organizations
• Human Growth Foundation. 7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 202S, Falls Church, VA 22043. (800) 451-6434 or (703) 883-1773. http://www.genetic.org.
• Little People's Research Fund, Inc. 80 Sister Pierre Dr., Towson, MD 21204-7534. (800) 232-5773 or (410) 494-0055.
• MAGIC Foundation for Children's Growth. 1327 N. Harlem Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. (800) 3 MAGIC 3 or (708) 383-0808. http://www.magicfoundation.org.