CME: Pediatric growth hormone deficiency (PGHD) and related disorders: Updates in recognition and treatment

CME: Pediatric growth hormone deficiency (PGHD) and related disorders: Updates in recognition and treatment is organized by ScientiaCME.

Release Date: October 14, 2021
Expiration Date: October 14, 2023

Activity Description / Statement of Need:
In this online, self-learning activity:
Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is characterized by inadequate secretion of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. The condition may arise from a variety of causes, including tumors, radiation, medications, traumatic brain injury, or genetic defects. In children, GHD is characterized by pronounced short stature, defined as 2 or more standard deviations from the mean based on age and sex. Because short stature may be caused by a variety of other factors, including genetics, hypothyroidism, and Turner syndrome, estimating the prevalence of GHD in the pediatric population is challenging. Studies suggest that GHD may occur in 1 out of every 4,000 children. There are also related conditions whose features overlap, including idiopathic short stature (ISS), and primary insulin-like growth factor-I deficiency (PIGFD), complicating diagnosis.

This program has been designed to bring HCPs’ knowledge of the rationale behind the management of pediatric GHD up to date and to enhance their competence and practice in caring for pediatric patients with GHD. Topics addressed will include clinical presentation, diagnostic tests, and safety and efficacy of present and emerging therapy, including dose selection, monitoring, transition into adulthood, and providing patient-centered care.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session the participant will be able to:
• Describe the importance of timely recognition, referral, screening, and diagnosis of GHD, ISS, and PIGFD in children.
• Summarize current recommendations for the diagnosis of pediatric GHD and related disorders.
• Recall present and investigational pharmacotherapeutic options for treatment of pediatric GHD regarding safety, efficacy, transitions of care into adulthood, and other relevant considerations.
• Formulate treatment strategies for pediatric patients with GHD and related disorders, and describe best practices for tracking patient progress.