Evaluation and Treatment of Growth Failure in Children

Within the last decade, there have been major advances in the understanding of growth hormone deficiency and its impact on stature, especially short stature. Experts suggest that up to 75% of the cases of growth hormone (GH) deficiency may be reversible. Physicians and endocrinologists now recognize that the growth effects of GH are mediated by a substance called insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1, a potent growth and differentiation factor, stimulates the multiple processes leading to statural growth and is normally secreted in response to stimulation by GH.