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Understanding the Use of Growth Hormone
Doctors at the Childrenıs Hospital of Philadelphia say growth hormone therapy can be very beneficial to children diagnosed with "grow failure" due to genetic or systemic disease, as well as related diseases and disorders. GH therapy, while complex and controversial, has become widely recommended by endocrine specialists since becoming available in 1985.
Failure to thrive in infants and children is usually noticed by failure to gain height and weight. In teenagers, short stature and lack of sexual development is present. According to Thomas Moshang, Jr., M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Childrenıs Hospital of Philadelphia, itıs important to have children who have growth and developmental deficiencies treated by endocrine specialists who can determine if the failure to thrive results from a medical problem, or from physiological and environmental problems, as oppose to healthy children growing at variance from the general population. Symptoms that parents and family physicians should look for include lack of normal physical growth, lack of or slow developmental progress and the delay of mental and social skills.
The Cutting Edge Medical Report: Understanding the Use of Growth Hormone focuses on growth hormone. This "must see" documentary for concerned parents will talk about the importance of prevention of growth problems by early detection at routine well baby examinations and periodic follow-up exams for school age children. Medical experts will discuss the safety and effectiveness of GH therapy for the tens of thousands of children who suffer with "grow failure."
Produced by Information Television Network in association with The Magic Foundation and made possible by an unrestricted grant from Genentech, Inc., Understanding the Use of Growth Hormone will air on Discovery Health Channel. For information on air dates or to order a VHS copy of the program, call 1-800-380-6500.
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