Kowarski syndrome
Overview
Kowarski syndrome: A condition resulting from the presence of ineffective growth hormone.
Symptoms
List of symptoms of Kowarski syndrome: The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Kowarski syndrome includes the 2 symptoms listed below: * Growth retardation * Delayed bone age Note that Kowarski syndrome symptoms usually refers to various symptoms known to a patient, but the phrase Kowarski syndrome signs may refer to those signs only noticable by a doctor.
Causes
Although the cause of CFIDS is unknown, researchers suspect that it may be found in human herpesvirus 6 or in other herpesviruses, enteroviruses, or retroviruses. Rising levels of antibodies to EBV, once thought to implicate EBV infection as the cause of CFIDS, are now considered a result of this disease. CFIDS may be associated with a reaction to viral illness that’s complicated by dysfunctional immune response and by other factors that may include sex, age, genetic disposition, prior illness, stress, and environment.
Diagnosis
Routine studies should include a CBC, sedimentation rate, urinalysis, chemistry panel, thyroid profile, VDRL test, quantitative stool fat, a sweat test, and x-rays of the skull and long bones. If Turner's syndrome is suspected, a buccal smear for sex chromogen may be done. If pituitary dwarfism is suspected, a CT scan of the skull may be helpful. Additional endocrine tests include a serum growth hormone level before and after exercise, a resting somatomedin-C level, and an overnight dexamethasone suppression test. In patients suspected of having rickets and hypoparathyroidism, 24-hr urine calciums may be done. However, it is best to consult a pediatrician, endocrinologist, or orthopedic surgeon before proceeding with expensive diagnostic tests.