Desenzano Pediatrics Recognized for Growth Hormone Deficiency Treatment
The Pediatrics Department of Desenzano has been recognized by the Lombardy Region as a center for the diagnosis and treatment of growth hormone deficiency. In Lombardy, such centers are few, making this recognition a significant achievement for the Gardesan facility, especially for the department headed by Dr. Giovanni Bergamaschi, an expert in auxoendocrinology and pediatric diabetology who has been practicing at «Montecroce» for over twenty years. He was until recently the right-hand man of Professor Giacomo Monacelli, who has now retired.
But let’s see what growth hormone is, scientifically known as «GH» or «somatotropin». It is a simple protein, composed of a sequence of 191 amino acids, discovered in 1920. Initially, it could only be extracted from the brains of cadavers, and to obtain just a few drops, thousands of brains were needed. Its structure was identified in 1972; in 1986, it was produced using genetic engineering techniques. Today, it is available at will.
In the human body, it is produced by the pituitary gland throughout life, although after age 31, levels begin to decrease by about 14% every ten years. A deficiency in GH causes developmental delays and dwarfism. During childhood and adolescence, it stimulates growth and sexual development, increases muscle mass, and promotes bone tissue formation.
Postnatal growth, explains Bergamaschi, depends on a combination of internal factors within the organism and external environmental factors: «Among the internal factors, hereditary traits are very important, so generally both stature and growth patterns are inherited from parents in terms of height, timing, and manner of growth. Hormonal factors are the executors of the genetic program, provided the child is in good health and has proper nutrition.»
The child’s health status and proper growth should be monitored through periodic check-ups; poor growth can be an indicator that something is amiss, even if the child appears otherwise healthy. Now, as mentioned, the Pediatrics and Neonatal Pathology Department of Desenzano has received authorization from the Region to strengthen these research efforts and, most importantly, to intervene with children who might present with this deficiency.
The initial phase of growth occurs rapidly during pregnancy; after birth, there are two periods when stature and weight gain are faster: the first four years and the pubertal period, separated by a phase of slower, more uniform growth. The hospital director, Prof. Alfonso Castellani, states: «The regional recognition is an additional guarantee for young patients and their parents regarding our pediatric department’s ability to provide an even higher quality service.»
Beyond technical quality, the environment is also carefully considered: children are housed in single rooms with a bed for the accompanying parent, a bathroom, and a color TV. The presence of a team dedicated to clown therapy, a playroom, and distinctive wall paintings help create a welcoming environment.»
Francesco Vassallo, the facility director, states: «Our pediatrics department now fully manages clinical cases of growth deficiencies in children, and we are proud of this.» The hospital’s top management, Angelo Foschini, concludes: «The regional recognition further confirms the strength of our strategic approach, which continually aims to improve healthcare services.»
