A National Survey on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Paediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency

C P Hawkes1,2, S M O'Connell3

  • 1The National Childrens Research Centre, Crumlin, Dublin 12.

Irish Medical Journal
|September 30, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Irish pediatricians show varied practices in child measurement and growth hormone (GH) deficiency diagnosis. Recommendations include standardized measurement techniques and national GH treatment guidelines for better pediatric care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Clinical Practice Guidelines
  • Growth Hormone Therapy

Background:

  • International regulations aim to standardize pediatric growth hormone (GH) treatment and manage costs.
  • Current practices in Ireland for child measurement and GH deficiency diagnosis require evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess current practices in child measurement and GH deficiency diagnosis among Irish pediatricians.
  • To identify variations in GH stimulation testing and formulation selection criteria.

Main Methods:

  • A questionnaire was distributed to 139 pediatricians in Ireland.
  • 35 pediatricians (9 endocrinologists) responded, detailing measurement techniques and diagnostic approaches.

Main Results:

  • Only 37.1% of respondents use the recommended 2-person technique for measuring children under 2.
  • Varied GH stimulation tests were employed, with 80% using sex steroid priming and a consistent cutoff of 7 ng/ml.
  • Brand rotation (50%) and cost (30%) were primary factors in selecting GH formulations.

Conclusions:

  • Departments should review child measurement techniques and equipment.
  • Establishment of national guidelines for GH use and a prospective registry for treated children is advised.

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