What is Hyperaldosteronism?

It is a medical syndrome characterized by the production of high amounts of aldosterone by the adrenal glands, which may result in reduced levels of potassium in the human bloodstream.

The disorder is also known as Aldosteronism.

Precocious Puberty is a singular condition marked by early adulthood in children. Read and know what is Precocious Puberty as well as its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and cure.

Precocious Puberty Definition

It is a disorder characterized by an abnormal early onset of puberty, where the human body undergoes through changes at an unusually early age.

The condition is also known as “Pubertas praecox”.

Carcinoid Syndrome is a condition that is marked by discomforting symptoms and life-threatening complications. Read on to know all about this disease including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Hypernatremia is a very disturbing condition that leads to the development of very discomforting symptoms. In the absence of treatment, it may even result in death. Read on to know all about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Hypernatremia.

Hypernatremia Definition

Medical researchers define Hypernatremia as a condition marked by a high concentration of serum sodium above 145 mM. In healthy people, normal concentration of sodium is 136-145 mM in the blood plasma.

In the United States, Hyponatremia is the most prevalent electrolyte disease.

Gigantism is a rare disease that is the subject of a lot of research and speculation. Know what is Gigantism, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Definition of Gigantism

Gigantism Definition is given as an abnormal health condition that leads to excessive growth of a person due to presence of too much growth hormone in the body. This unique disorder is also known as Giantism.

This is an extremely rare disorder. Only 100 cases of this disease have been reported so far.

What Causes Gigantism?

As aforesaid, this disease arises due to the presence of growth hormones in abnormal quantities. Growth Hormones may be released in abnormal quantities due to health complications like

• Benign (non-cancerous) pituitary gland tumor
• McCune –Albright Syndrome (MAS)
• Carney Complex
• Neurofibromatosis
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN-1)

Pituitary tumor is one of the main causes of Gigantism in children.

Gigantism Symptoms

Typically, abnormal height is the most prominent signs of Gigantism disorder. The disease becomes evident in a child from a very early age. The child grows noticeably taller than his or her age and the growth is not only reflected in stature but also the organs and muscles. At full growth, the individual usually stands at over seven feet.

Some other symptoms of Gigantism include

• Retarded puberty
• Headache
• Difficulties in peripheral (side) vision
• Double vision
• Fatigue
• Thick facial characteristics
• A large jaw
• Thickness of toes and fingers
• Excessive sweating
• Big hands and feet

In women, the disease may also cause irregular menstrual periods and abnormal release of breast milk.

Gigantism Diagnosis

Gigantism is initially diagnosed by observation of the physical characteristics of the individual. Further testing is done by an MRI or CT scan of the head. Imaging helps reveal pituitary tumors. The condition also becomes apparent if an oral glucose test fails to inhibit serum growth hormone. Tests may also be conducted to check if the person has increased Insulin Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) or Prolactin levels.

Gigantism Treatment

Treatment for Gigantism mainly involves use of medicines, surgery and radiation therapy.

Medications

Dopamine drugs such as Cabergoline and Mesylate are normally used to lower release of growth hormones. These are, however, less effective than medicines like Pegvisomant or somatostatin analogs (Lanreotide or Octreotide). Pegvisomant obstructs the side effects of growth hormone release.

Surgery

Surgery for treatment of Gigantism is done in cases where tests reveal the presence of a Pituitary tumor. The aim of operation is to remove the tumor and reduce release of growth hormones.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is successful in making growth hormone levels normal. However, this method gives rise to various side effects like obesity, emotional alterations and learning disabilities in children. Moreover, it takes anywhere from five to ten years for the effects to show up. It also results in reduced levels of other pituitary hormones. This is the reason why it is kept as a last resort if all other ways of treatment fail.