A novel heterozygous mutation in POU1F1 is associated with combined pituitary hormone deficiency

Mutations in the POU1F1 gene (OMIM#613038) are a rare case of combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD), which is characterized by deficiency of growth hormone, TSH, and prolactin. Brain mri reveals hypoplasia of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. The prevalence of this disease has not been fully studied, but it is reported that the incidence of mutations in the POU1F1 gene in patients with CPHD from nonrelated marriages is 3—7%, reaching 25—52% among familial cases. Both the autosomal dominant and the autosomal recessive inheritance patterns are possible. More than 30 mutations in POU1F1 have been described in patients with CPHD. One child in the family had a pronounced delay in physical and psychomotor development, characteristic signs of dysmorphogenesis, an extremely low IGF-1 level, low levels of ft4 and prolactin, and a normal cortisol level. Molecular genetic testing revealed a heterozygous mutation c.500a> g: p.q167r in the POU1F1 gene. This mutation has never been previously described. The patient showed a good response to the recombinant GH (rhGH) therapy.