GH Excess and Tall Stature	

	An excess of GH in childhood or adolescence causes gigantism (Fig. 14.33), but bone age is not advanced. The pituitary fossa may enlarged, and a GH-secreting tumour may be present. Levels of GH are raised, contrasting with levels in constitutional tall stature. Clinically, the disease is characterised by extremely rapid limb growth, overgrowth of soft tissues, and metabolic changes that similar to those observed in older acromegalic patients. Treatment is aimed at reducing the excessive GH secretion. Possible treatment modalities to be considered, as for acromegaly, include radiotherapy, administration of dopamine agonists (such bromocriptine) or octreotide, or transsphenoidal removal of tumour.

See also:
• Acromegaly