Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children and Adult Patients with Hypopituitarism: Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management

Abstract

Hypopituitarism is the decreased (hypo) secretion of one or more of the eight hormones normally produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.If there is decreased secretion of one specific pituitary hormone, the condition is known as selective hypopituitarism. If there is decreased secretion of most or all pituitary hormones, the term panhypopituitarism is used. Hypopituitarism is a complex medical condition associated with increased morbidity and mortality, requires complicated treatment regimens, and necessitates lifelong follow up by the endocrinologist.