Providing the most current information
on the function of human growth hormone (GH) and the consequences of its
deficiency, this practical yet comprehensive text is divided into three
sections. Part one describes the mechanisms of GH secretion and action,
including the physiology of GH and its regulation by sex steroids and thyroid
hormones, the effects of both under nutrition and obesity on GH secretion, and
the metabolic effects of human recombinant GH therapy. The second section
covers diagnostic strategies and tests for GH deficiency in both children and
adults, including MRI of the pituitary. The final section describes the
different etiologies of GH deficiency, from molecular mechanisms and gene
abnormalities to cranial radiation and traumatic brain injury, along with
syndromes related to this deficiency. Presenting underlying mechanisms and
pathologies, as well as diagnostic methods, Growth
Hormone Deficiency will provide the most
up-to-date essential information and evidence on this condition for the
clinical endocrinologist.

Laurie E. Cohen, MD, Director of Clinical Operations, Division of Endocrinology, Director, Neuroendocrinology Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

1. Introduction: Discovery of Growth Hormone and Synthesis
of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone.- Part I Mechanisms of Human Growth Hormone
Secretion and Action.- 2.  Growth Hormone
Physiology.- 3. Sex Steroids and Growth.- 4.
Influence of Thyroid Hormone on Growth Hormone Secretion and Action.- 5.
Undernutrition, Inflammation and Catabolic Illness and Growth Hormone Secretion.-
6. Obesity and Growth Hormone Secretion.- 7. Metabolic Benefits of Growth
Hormone Therapy.- Part II Diagnosis of Human Growth Hormone Deficiency.- 8. Laboratory
Diagnosis of Growth Hormone Deficiency in Children.- 9. Laboratory Diagnosis of
Growth Hormone Deficiency in Adults.- 10. Pituitary Gland Imaging in
Growth Hormone Deficiency.- Part III Etiologies of Human Growth Hormone
Deficiency.- 11. Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone Receptor and Growth Hormone
Gene Abnormalities.- 12. Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency.- 13. Cranial
Radiation and Growth Hormone Deficiency.- 14. Traumatic Brain Injuryand Growth
Hormone Deficiency.- 15. Syndromes Associated with Growth Hormone
Deficiency.