Abstract
In order to study structure function relationships of the pituitary in growth hormone deficiency (HGD) high resolution computer assisted tomography (HR-CAT) was performed in 24 consecutive children with idiopathic GHD. The population studied was characterised thus: 11 male, 13 female; age range newborn to 15 years; 15 isolated GHD, 9 multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD); 17 sporadic and 7 familial GHD; 11 had recorded adverse perinatal events (breech or forceps delivery, asphyxia, excessive bruising, surfactant deficiency, exchange transfusion, umbilical haemorrhage and neonatal fits); 19 had iv growth hormone releasing factor tests (hp-GRF1-44) at diagnosis.
HR-CAT scans showed 13 children to have an empty sella and 3 with a partially empty sella - Group 1; and 8 with a full sella -Group II. No difference between Group I and II was fqund with respect to: Age, sex or auxology at presentation; isolated GHD or MPHD; sporadic or familial GHD; growth hormone response to GRF. However, perinatal adverse events were strongly associated with Group I (p = 0.02).
The present findings support the concept that adverse perinatal events are a major factor in the aetiology of GHD - possibly by compromising the blood supply to the pituitary.
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Surtees, R., Adams, J., Price, D. et al. THE ASSOCIATION OF THE EMPTY SELLA SYNDROME WITH ADVERSE PERINATAL EVENTS IN IDIOPATHIC GROWTH HORMONE DEFICIENCY. Pediatr Res 20, 1187 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198611000-00083
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198611000-00083