Groeihormoondeficiëntie bij kinderen na bestraling wegens een hersentumor

During the past few decades the survival of children with brain tumours has improved markedly. Long-term complications of the treatment have, therefore, become more apparent. One of the most prevalent long-term complications is growth hormone deficiency (GHD) leading to impaired growth, unfavourable metabolic effects and decreased quality of life. Early recognition of patients with GHD and timely initiation of growth hormone supplementation is important to prevent the development of adverse effects of GHD. This is the joint responsibility of the general practitioner and the medical specialist. It used to be believed that growth hormone treatment could induce a relapse of the tumour and that, therefore, the implementation of growth hormone treatment should be postponed for two years. This is no longer supported by present data. Health care professionals involved in the care of brain tumour survivors should be alert for signs and symptoms of GHD so that growth hormone treatment can be implemented at an early stage and negative effects of a GHD can be prevented.