Growth hormone deficiency in an 8-year-old girl with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Abnormalities of hypothalamic pituitary function have been reported in adult subjects with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.1-3 However, endocrine studies in children with HIV infection have failed to disclose significant hormonal abnormalities.4 Indeed, children infected with HIV who were growing poorly were found to have opportunistic infections and lower levels of T-helper cells, but normal growth hormone or insulinlike growth factor 1 concentrations.4 Herein we describe an 8-year-old girl with perinatally acquired HIV infection, growth deceleration, and isolated growth hormone deficiency. CASE REPORT This 8 ½-year-old female child was referred to the pediatric endocrine clinic for evaluation of growth deceleration.