GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY. PHYSIOLOGY AND CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

1. Introduction: Discovery of Growth Hormone and Synthesis of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone
2. Growth Hormone Physiology
3. Sex Steroids and Growth Hormone Secretion
4. The Influence of Thyroid Hormone on Growth Hormone Secretion and Action
5. Undernutrition, Inflammation and Catabolic Illness, and Growth Hormone Secretion
6. Obesity and Growth Hormone Secretion
7. Metabolic Benefits of Growth Hormone Therapy
8. Laboratory Diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children
9. Laboratory Diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults
10. Pituitary Gland Imaging
11. Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone Receptor and Growth Hormone Gene Abnormalities
12. Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency
13. Cranial Radiation and Growth Hormone Deficiency
14. Traumatic Brain Injury and Growth Hormone Deficiency
15. Syndromes Associated with Growth Hormone Deficiency

Providing the most current information on the function of human growth hormone (GH) and the consequences of its deficiency, this practical yet comprehensive text is divided into three sections. Part one describes the mechanisms of GH secretion and action, including the physiology of GH and its regulation by sex steroids and thyroid hormones, the effects of both under nutrition and obesity on GH secretion, and the metabolic effects of human recombinant GH therapy. The second section covers diagnostic strategies and tests for GH deficiency in both children and adults, including MRI of the pituitary. The final section describes the different etiologies of GH deficiency, from molecular mechanisms and gene abnormalities to cranial radiation and traumatic brain injury, along with syndromes related to this deficiency. Presenting underlying mechanisms and pathologies, as well as diagnostic methods, Growth Hormone Deficiency will provide the most up-to-date essential information and evidence on this condition for the clinical endocrinologist.

Features
• Describes both the mechanism of human growth hormone (HGH) and the etiology, diagnosis and management of HGH deficiency
• Discusses not only HGH but also its interaction with sex steroids, thyroid hormones and syndromes that cause or are associated with HGH deficiency
• Covers diagnosis and management of both pediatric and adult HGH deficiency

Author
Laurie E. Cohen, MD, Director of Clinical Operations, Division of Endocrinology, Director, Neuroendocrinology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA