LARON SYNDROME

Laron syndrome (LS), also known as growth hormone insensitivity or growth hormone receptor deficiency (GHRD), is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a lack of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1; somatomedin-C) production in response to growth hormone (GH; hGH; somatotropin). It is usually caused by inherited growth hormone receptor (GHR) mutations.

Affected individuals classically present with short stature between −4 to −10 standard deviations below median height, obesity, craniofacial abnormalities, micropenis, low blood sugar, and low serum IGF-1 despite elevated basal serum GH.

Evidence has suggested that people with Laron syndrome have a reduced risk of developing cancer and diabetes mellitus type II, with a significantly reduced incidence and delayed age of onset of these diseases compared to their unaffected relatives. [9][10] The molecular mechanisms of increased longevity and protection from age-related disease among people with LS is an area of active investigation.

SYMPTOMS:

LS is recognized as being part of a spectrum of conditions that affect the Hypothalamic–pituitary–somatotropic axis and cause significant derangements in human growth, development, and metabolism. Along this spectrum of conditions, individuals with LS and growth hormone deficiency display short stature, while individuals with acromegaly and gigantism result in the opposite phenotype of tall stature.

In addition to short stature, other characteristic physical symptoms of LS include:

• prominent forehead,
• depressed nasal bridge,
• underdevelopment of mandible,
• truncal obesity, and
• micropenis in males.

Left untreated, the average height attained by individuals with LS are approximately 4-4.5 feet in women/men respectively.

Additional physical features include:

• delayed bone age,
• hypogonadism,
• blue sclera,
• high-pitched voice,
• acrohypoplasia,
• sparse hair growth, and
• crowded teeth.

 The breasts of females reach normal size, and in some are large in relation to body size. It has been suggested that hyperprolactinemia may contribute to the enlarged breast size. Seizures are frequently seen secondary to hypoglycemia. Some genetic variations decrease intellectual capacity. Laron syndrome patients also do not develop acne, except temporarily during treatment with IGF-1 (if performed).

HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When  is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms

Few homoeopathic medicine can be thought of in the treatment of Laron Syndrome are:

Pituitarium, baryta carb., calcarea carb., silicea, etc