Growth hormone stimulation tests | Right Decisions

Right Decisions
SPEG (Scottish Paediatric Endocrine Group)
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Dynamic function tests for use in paediatric endocrinology
Growth hormone stimulation tests

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

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Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Introduction

Growth hormone stimulation tests are often combined with other tests of pituitary function including the LHRH test and Synacthen test.

There are three stimulation tests commonly used for assessing the growth hormone axis:

Insulin Hypoglycaemia Stress test
Arginine stimulation test
Clonidine stimulation test.

Other tests have been used for assessing the growth hormone axis. These are the Glucagon stimulation test and Exercise test.

These tests are not recommended, due to problems with late hypoglycaemia and poor reproducibility of results.

'Priming' before the test

If the test is performed on peri-pubertal children, priming of the pituitary axis with sex steroids is required.

Please refer to the BSPED guidance for who to prime and suitable preparations.

Indications for the procedure

To assess the ability of the anterior pituitary gland to secrete growth hormone (GH).

Used in the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency.