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Signs and Tests for Growth Hormone Deficiency
Comparison of patient’s height on charts depicting the normal growth pattern with normal children of the same age and sex will show the deficiency. Examination of growth like height, body proportions and weight will show that the child does not follow the normal healthy pattern. To confirm the diagnosis following tests are undertaken.
- GNRH – Arginine Test
- Growth Hormone Stimulation test
- Growth hormone levels in the blood.
- Insulin Tolerance test (ITT)
- Tests to establish the levels of other hormones released by pituitary gland
Tests involving X ray tests are done for determining the hormone deficiency
- Hand X ray will reveal bone age; it is used to compare the growth of the bones with normal development.
- Dual energy X Ray absorptiometry is also employed to determine bone age.
- Measurement of growth hormones will establish whether the problem is rooted in pituitary gland.
- MRI scan of the brain shows the condition of hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
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