[Tests for studying the secretion of growth hormone. Update]

Some tests to study the growth hormone secretion have been analysed. According to our own experience and to the present criteria the physiologic tests seem to be more suitable than the pharmacologic ones. In case of discordant results, those obtained in physiologic tests completed with the clinical data and if necessary with biologic probes are conclusive. The availability of GRF will allow the treatment of some cases of dwarfism of hypothalamic origin, that in our opinion are more frequent than those of pituitary origin. Otherwise the gene studies will contribute to the understanding of some cases of genetic dwarfism and make possible an appropriate genetic counseling.