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Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
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Adding Glucagon-Stimulated GH Testing to the Diagnostic Fast Increases the Detection of GH-Sufficient Children

Colin P Hawkes1, Adda Grimberg, Vivian E Dzata

  • 1Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., USA.

Hormone Research in Paediatrics
|March 17, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Serial growth hormone (GH) testing after glucagon administration during a diagnostic fast helps identify children without GH deficiency (GHD). This approach reduces the need for further GH stimulation tests and potential GH treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Hormone Testing

Background:

  • Diagnostic fasting is used to evaluate unexplained hypoglycemia in children.
  • Low growth hormone (GH) levels during hypoglycemia are not specific for GH deficiency (GHD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess if serial GH measurements after glucagon administration improve GHD identification in children undergoing diagnostic fasting.
  • To reduce unnecessary GH stimulation testing and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of children undergoing diagnostic fasting.
  • Glucagon administration at the end of the fast.
  • Serial GH measurements every 30 minutes for 210 minutes post-glucagon.

Main Results:

  • Only 10% of children had GH >7 ng/ml at baseline after the fast.
  • Serial GH testing post-glucagon increased the detection rate of children without GHD to 55%.
  • GH levels showed significant increases during the serial testing period.

Conclusions:

  • Serial GH measurements after glucagon administration enhance the diagnosis of children without GHD.
  • This method can prevent unnecessary further testing and treatment for GHD.
  • Optimizes diagnostic protocols for pediatric endocrine evaluations.
Abstract

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