The loss of venous supply and hypothalamic stimulation to the gland results in varying degrees of hypofunction. GHD Clinical Manifestations. GHD results in statural growth that is slower than is the normal velocity for the age of the child. Short stature is not the hallmark, it is the rate of growth that is the essential component, although slow growth over time eventually leads to short stature. Unlike people with achondroplasia, a genetic bone disorder, children with GHD have normal body proportions.
Growth hormone plays a counter regulatory role in glucose regulation.
Poor growth may be apparent by 6 months, but may not be obvious until 2 to 4 years of age. Glucose regulation is rarely a problem for the older child after the first year or two of life. However, undetected long-term hypoglycemia causes permanent intellectual impairment that becomes more obvious during the school years. Chronic hypoglycemia is discussed later. The nasal bridge is underdeveloped, and the nose is infantile.