Growth-Hormone Deficient Babies Are Normal Length At Birth, UB S...( . Babies whowere hypoglycemic received...),Health

"This study shows that birth length is not helpful in detecting infants who have congenital hypopituitarism," MacGillivray said. "Instead, persistence of hypoglycemia and jaundice are clues that should prompt an evaluation of hormones produced by the pituitary gland, i.e. growth hormone, thyroid- and adrenal-stimulating hormones. Replacing these hormones protects such infants from the long-term complications of hypoglycemia, such as seizure disorders and mental retardation.

"In addition, the study confirms that fetal growth is controlled by hormones other than growth hormone," she said. "The main influence on fetal growth is good nutrition, which depends on a healthy placenta and a healthy mother."

Additional researchers on the study were Susan Pena-Almazan, M.D., fellow in pediatric endocrinology/diabetes; John G. Buchlis, M.D., UB assistant professor of pediatrics; Susan Miller, a UB medical student, and Barbara J. Shine, nurse specialist.

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Contact: Lois Baker
ljbaker@buffalo.edu
716-645-2626
University at Buffalo
1-May-1999