[Growth retardation in histiocytosis X. Evaluation of anterior pituitary function (author's transl)].

Among six patients with histiocytosis X of long duration and growth retardation of 3 to 4 standard deviations, three had a blunted growth hormone response to stimulation tests, associated to diabetes insipidus. In two of these three children there was a partial catchup of growth without treatment by human growth hormone. The causes and mechanisms of growth retardation in histiocytosis X, the influence of hydroelectrolytic disorders on growth in these patients and their need for treatment with human growth hormone are discussed.