WACHSTUM UND WACHSTUMSSTORUNGEN VON KINDERN NACH THERAPIE EINES MEDULLOBLASTOMS

Growth disorders in children treated for medulloblastoma are one of the commonest late sequelae and are mainly caused by growth hormone deficiency, which occurs within a few years in almost all patients following cranial irradiation. We report on 16 children treated and followed-up in our hospital. The data were analyzed retrospectively. A decrease in growth was observed in all patients after tumour therapy. 5 patients have reached their final height, which is definitely lower than the normal adult height and their individual target height. Growth hormone deficiency was diagnosed in 11 patients. Standardized endocrinological follow-up programs have to be established to allow for an early diagnosis of endocrine disorders and the begin of adequate therapy in time.