What endocrine disorder is characterized by the presence of symptoms attributed to excessive production of growth hormone in children?

The endocrine disorder characterized by excessive production of growth hormone in children is indeed gigantism. This condition arises when there is an overproduction of growth hormone, usually due to a benign tumor in the pituitary gland known as an adenoma. In children, before the growth plates have fused, this excess growth hormone leads to excessive linear growth, resulting in individuals who are significantly taller than average for their age.

Gigantism manifests as not only increased height but also other symptoms, such as disproportionately large hands and feet, and can include various metabolic changes. The timing of growth hormone excess is crucial; if it occurs before the growth plates close, it results in gigantism, whereas in adults, after the growth plates have fused, excess growth hormone leads to acromegaly, which includes features like enlarged facial bones and soft tissues but does not affect height.

Dwarfism represents a condition of short stature caused by various factors, primarily growth hormone deficiency, thus contrasting with gigantism. Thyroid storm relates to an extreme form of hyperthyroidism and is unrelated to growth hormone dynamics. Therefore, the hallmark signs of gigantism, specifically the excessive growth experienced by children, make it the correct and appropriate identification for this endocrine disorder.