DIAGNOSIS OF GROWTH-HORMONE DEFICIENCY

Many ways of evaluating the physiological state of hGH secretion exist, some of which have been touched upon and none of which has as yet proven infallible. Apart from important clinical features like history, physical data and growth rate, the diagnosis of altered pituitary function is based on tests and their interpretation. The physician responsible has to be informed on their effectiveness and pitfalls. Results should be interpreted in relation to developmental age (bone age) rather than chronological age. Research is under way to try to facilitate the diagnosis of varying degrees of alterations of hGH secretion. Reliability in predicting the effect of therapy with hGH is the ultimate aim in order to prevent unnecessary cost and disappointment for the patients. With the help of doctors involved in child care, such as physicians at kindergarten or school, it should be possible to start the slow process of investigating growth disorders at an early age. © 1992 Baillière Tindall.