B. Murn Berkopec
Klinični oddelek za endokrinologijo, diabetes in presnovne bolezni, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

M. Jurčec
Klinični oddelek za endokrinologijo, diabetes in presnovne bolezni, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

N. Bratanič
Klinični oddelek za endokrinologijo, diabetes in bolezni presnove, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana

I. Zupančič
Klinični oddelek za endokrinologijo, diabetes in presnovne bolezni, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Normal growth in a child is a sign of health, proper nutrition and contentment. When growth retardation is detected it is necessary to perform tests to determine its cause. Beside deficiency of growth hormone, various resistant states are indications for treatment with growth hormone. Health education in relation to treatment with growth hormone is carried out individually by a graduate nurse. She explains the process of preparation and application of growth hormone to the parents and child and verifies that they perform the procedure correctly before discharge from hospital. Treatment with growth hormone is continued until the epiphyses have fused and long bone growth is complete.

Key words: short stature, anthropometric measurements, growth hormone, treatment.