A ten year old boy has high levels of the growth hormone. He is likely to
develop:
a) Acromegaly
b) Hyperglycemia
c) Mental retardation
d) Muscle atrophy
e) Hyperkalaemia
a) Acromegaly
Based on the information provided, a ten-year-old boy with high levels of growth hormone is likely to develop acromegaly.
Acromegaly is a condition that occurs when there is excessive growth hormone in the body, especially after the bones have finished growing. It usually affects adults, but in rare cases, it can also affect children.
Acromegaly is characterized by the abnormal growth of bones and tissues, resulting in enlarged hands, feet, facial features (such as the jaw), and other body parts. Other symptoms may include joint pain, thickened skin, enlarged organs, and changes in the voice.
Therefore, the correct answer is: a) Acromegaly
A ten year old boy with high levels of growth hormone is likely to develop a) Acromegaly. Acromegaly is a condition that results from excess production of growth hormone after the growth plates of the long bones have closed. This condition usually develops in adulthood, but in rare cases, it can occur during childhood as well.
To understand this concept further, let's break down the options and analyze them:
a) Acromegaly: Acromegaly is characterized by the abnormal enlargement of the extremities (hands, feet), facial features, and internal organs. This occurs due to the excessive production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland, which can lead to abnormal growth even after the growth plates have closed.
b) Hyperglycemia: Hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar levels. While growth hormone can influence blood sugar levels, the primary effect is to increase insulin resistance, leading to higher blood sugar levels. However, high levels of growth hormone alone would not necessarily lead to hyperglycemia.
c) Mental retardation: Mental retardation (now known as intellectual disability) is not typically associated with high levels of growth hormone. Mental retardation is usually caused by genetic factors, brain abnormalities, or developmental issues, not by the production of growth hormone.
d) Muscle atrophy: Muscle atrophy refers to the wasting or loss of muscle tissue. High levels of growth hormone are generally associated with increased muscle mass rather than muscle atrophy. Growth hormone promotes protein synthesis and muscle growth.
e) Hyperkalaemia: Hyperkalemia refers to high levels of potassium in the blood. Growth hormone typically does not directly affect potassium levels in the blood, so it is unlikely to cause hyperkalemia.
Considering these explanations, the most likely outcome for a ten-year-old boy with high levels of growth hormone is acromegaly, characterized by abnormal enlargement of certain body parts and other physical changes.