Growth Disorders

Does your child seem much shorter - or much taller - than other kids his or her age? It could be normal, or it could be a sign of a problem. Very slow or very fast growth can sometimes signal a gland problem or disease.

The pituitary gland makes growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of bone and other tissues. Children who have too little of it may be very short. Treatment with growth hormone can stimulate growth.

People can also have too much growth hormone. Usually the cause is a pituitary gland tumor, which is not cancer. Too much growth hormone can cause gigantism in children, where their bones and their body grow too much. In adults, it can cause acromegaly, which makes the hands, feet and face larger than normal. Possible treatments include surgery to remove the tumor, medicines and radiation therapy.

External Resources

Trophic factors - Contains information on neurotrophins, cytokines, growth factors - their main features, receptors and receptor subunits, as well as trophic factor related disorders. Maintained by the Neuromuscular Disease Centre at the Washington University, St.Louis, MO, USA.

Tercica - A biopharmaceutical company developing therapies such as recombinant human Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (rhIGF-1), to treat disorders of the endocrine system. Based in South San Francisco, CA.

Stem Cell Research Foundation - Supports basic and clinical research involving stem cell growth and implantation, aiming to treat and cure a wide range of human disorders. Includes FAQ, conferences, grant awards, publications, and contacts for donations to Clarksburg, Maryland.

Ferring Pharmaceuticals - Manufactures pharmaceuticals within urology, gynaecology, gastroenterology and endocrinology for treatment of bedwetting, pre-term labour, infertility, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and growth disorders.

Novo Nordisk Women's Healthcare - Manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products for womens health care, growth and coagulation disorders.

Thyroid Disease in Childhood - Learn about the types of thyroid disorders affecting children, growth, metabolism, congenital hypothyroidism and congenital goitre.

Human Growth Foundation - Information about growth-related disorders through education, research, and advocacy. Member driven organization.

Restricted Growth Association - UK charity providing support resources for people of all ages with medical disorders that result in proportionate or disproportionate short stature. Descriptions of conditions, RGA programs, lifestyle advice, links, and other resources.

Cascade Center for Family Growth - Long standing treatment facility specializing in attachment disorder. Located in North Orem, Utah.

HealthyPlace: Bipolar Disorder Community - Journal, primer, spiritual growth and bulletin board.

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