Growth hormone deficiency in children results in failure of
normal linear growth. After attainment of final adult height, growth
hormone-deficient children are reevaluated to determine if they can
produce growth hormone. Many children with partial GH deficiency do
not require therapy as adults.
The manifestations of adult growth hormone deficiency include
reduced lean body mass and increased weight, reduced muscle mass,
strength, and exercise performance, and depressed affect. The vast
majority of patients diagnosed with adult growth hormone deficiency
have a history of pituitary tumors that may have been treated with
radiation or surgery.
Biosynthetic growth hormones are used to treat growth hormone
deficiency. The goal of treatment in children is to increase growth
rate to allow children to reach their maximal height potential. The
goals of treatment for adult growth hormone deficiency are to
restore energy, metabolism, and optimize body composition.
Private insurance and Medicare are the most common types of
health coverage for patients with GHD. Both can lead to access
issues for many patients. As a result, low-to-moderate income
beneficiaries are often unable to afford the out-of-pocket costs
associated with their treatment.
If you would like more information about the Growth Hormone
Deficiency Fund or would like to apply for Growth Hormone Deficiency
treatment assistance with the Patient Access Network Foundation,
please call us at:
