Alternative Names & Classifications:
Growth Hormone Insensitivity (CLINICAL), Laron Syndrome (CLINICAL)
Description
Unlike standard dwarfism where the pituitary fails to produce growth hormone (GH), patients with Laron syndrome produce normal or even excessively high levels of GH. However, a genetic mutation in the growth hormone receptor means their cells are completely blind to its presence. Consequently, the liver cannot produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), completely stalling normal skeletal growth.