Is Froehlich syndrome dangerous?

Posted by Specialist Doctor I Dang Thi Ngoc Chuong - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Froehlich syndrome is a collection of signs associated with endocrine abnormalities caused by damage to the hypothalamus. This condition affects mainly men, causing some abnormal signs in the physical and mental development of the sufferer. If detected early, it can be treated with hormone replacement therapy to help reduce the symptoms of the disease.

The hypothalamus is a small area between the pituitary gland and the thalamus in the medial brainstem. The hypothalamus has many important functions such as releasing hormones, regulating body temperature, controlling food intake, regulating emotions, etc., including the function of the hypothalamus related to the endocrine system in the body. body. The hypothalamus produces hormones to stimulate or inhibit the action of the pituitary gland, thereby affecting target glands in the body.
Froehlich syndrome is a collection of endocrine abnormalities thought to result from damage to the hypothalamus. This syndrome is a very rare condition that is seen mainly in males and somewhat females.

Some causes are thought to cause this syndrome include:
This syndrome may be related to genetic factors, genetic abnormalities. Froehlich syndrome is usually the result of gland damage in the hypothalamus. When an area is damaged in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland is the usual cause of this syndrome. Tumors of the pituitary gland are often the main cause of damage to the hypothalamus in children and adolescents. Inflammation from an infection such as tuberculosis or encephalitis are other possible causes of damage and in turn lead to this condition.

Some signs of the syndrome may appear such as:
Appetite causes obesity: Damage to the hypothalamus causes symptoms of the disease by affecting the production of substances that stimulate the pituitary gland and regulate hunger. Patients often crave food, eat a lot, causing overweight and obesity. Because in some people with this condition, the anterior part of the pituitary gland does not secrete the hormones necessary to stimulate normal puberty, causing delayed sexual development with manifestations such as small testicles and delayed puberty. in men. In addition, some children with this syndrome often have short stature, mental retardation, poor eyesight, and possibly diabetes. Other symptoms such as excessive thirst, drinking a lot, urinating a lot.

Froehlich syndrome causes a variety of disorders by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary endocrine axis, so it greatly affects patients. This disorder can cause retardation of physical, mental, and sexual development. Because the hypothalamus secretes growth-stimulating hormones, growth inhibitors are GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone) and GHIH (Growth Hormone Inhibitor Hormone). These two hormones stimulate and inhibit the anterior pituitary gland to secrete GH (Growth Hormone). Over time, it causes obesity and affects a variety of other organs of the body. Being overweight and obese increases the risk of dangerous chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular risk (such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke ...), disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders, especially this condition can lead to a risk of some cancers...
Especially childhood obesity is associated with a higher risk of death and disability in adulthood.
In addition, some cases of this syndrome are caused by a tumor. Early diagnosis and removal of tumors reduces the risk of affecting other areas of the brain.
In general, this is a very rare but dangerous syndrome because it can cause a collection of disorders in the patient due to a deficiency in the production of hormones from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Early detection and correction with hormone replacement therapy in patients with this syndrome may help reduce disease markers.

Because the disease is caused by damage to the hypothalamus leading to a lack of hormones that stimulate the secretion of hormones by the pituitary gland, treatment with hormone replacement therapy is applied.
Use of pituitary extracts can be used to replace hormone deficiencies in patients with Froehlich syndrome.
If the cause is tumors of the hypothalamus, the treatment is surgical removal if possible.
However, treatment may not be effective for cravings, which are difficult to manage. The main cause of obesity is cravings.
Currently, scientists are continuing to research new, more effective treatments for patients with this syndrome.
In general, although this syndrome is rare, it has a significant impact on a child's development. Therefore, as soon as you see abnormal signs of illness, you should go to medical facilities for examination and treatment immediately.
Periodic health check-ups help to detect diseases early, so that there are treatment plans for optimal results. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has general health checkup packages suitable for each age, gender and individual needs of customers with a reasonable price policy.
The patient's examination results will be returned to the home. After receiving the results of the general health examination, if you detect diseases that require intensive examination and treatment, you can use services from other specialties at the Hospital with quality treatment and services. outstanding customer service.