If a child is born with an insufficient amount of growth hormone, he or she will develop dwarfism. Do you think that such a child should be given supplemental growth hormone? What are the physical and ethical issues involved?

Question

Biology

Rolando Jarvis

2 December, 19:24

If a child is born with an insufficient amount of growth hormone, he or she will develop dwarfism. Do you think that such a child should be given supplemental growth hormone? What are the physical and ethical issues involved?

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Answers (1)

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Tyrell Wilkerson · Answer 1

Growth hormone deficiency can result in dwarfism.

Children with this deficiency have abnormally short statue.

Explanation:

Growth hormone deficiency can result in dwarfism when inadequate amounts of growth hormone are produced in the body. Children that have this hormone defieciency possess an abnormal short stature and normal body proportions. This condition occurs when the pituitary gland do not produce enough growth hormone.

Growth hormone therapy in little children have been a subject of great ethical debate. The benefits of this therapy in children may not necessarily provide the means to overcome the short physical or psychological impact. The studies show individual variability in growth response. Growth hormone injections that is needed for treatment require careful consideration by the patient and parents.