Hypothalamic Growth Hormone Deficiency and Supplementary GH Therapy in Two Patients with Mitochondrial Myopathy, Encephalopathy, Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-Like Episodes

 

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Abstract

Two pediatric patients with mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes were diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency with the primary lesion identified as the growth hormone-releasing factor producing cells of the hypothalamus. Stimulation tests with insulin, levodopa and sleep did not overcome the deficient pattern of growth hormone secretion. By comparison, the growth hormone-releasing factor stimulation test generated a normal growth hormone response in these two patients. Growth hormone supplementary therapy was effective in terms of growth gain without adverse effects.

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M. D. Mihoko Matsuzaki

Department of Pediatrics
Tokyo Women's Medical University
School of Medicine

8 - 1 Kawada-cho

Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162 - 8666

Japan

Email: ikyoku@ped.twmu.ac.jp