A Survey of Growth Hormone Stimulation Test Efficacy for Workup of Short Stature in a Referral Laboratory

Abstract

Objective: To assess growth hormone (GH) stimulation test efficacy in short stature workup for establishing GH deficiency.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Diagnostic Endocrine Section, Department of Chemical Pathology & Endocrinology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP), Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Aug 2020 to Jan 2021.

Methodology: The study was conducted on 129 individuals aged 2-16 years. History, axiological data and biochemical parameters were assessed to establish GH deficiency for short stature workup.

Results: Out of 129 individuals, 76(59%) boys and 53(41%) girls reported GH stimulation tests. 81(62.3%) children were in <3rd percentile, 29(22.3%) in <5th percentile, 9(6.9%) in <10th percentile and 5(3.8%) in <25th percentile. Among the group with bone age difference >2 years, 34(82.9%) fell in <3rd percentile. GH Stimulation test post-Levo Dopa was performed in 102(78.46%) patients. 49(37.4%) patients responded inadequately to the GH stimulation test. The adequate response to the GH Stimulation test improved as the percentile declined from the 50th to the 3rd percentile.

Conclusion: GH stimulation test results can only partially rely upon though their importance remains in combination with other short-stature workup parameters for ruling out growth hormone deficiency.