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Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
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Sex Steroid Priming on Growth Hormone Stimulation Test: A Scoping Review

Ignazio Cammisa1, Donato Rigante1,2, Giorgio Sodero3,4

  • 1Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Sex steroid priming may improve the accuracy of growth hormone stimulation tests (GHSTs) in diagnosing growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children. However, standardized protocols are needed to optimize its diagnostic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Reproductive Endocrinology

Background:

  • Growth hormone (GH) secretion is influenced by sex steroids, especially during puberty.
  • Blunted GH response during stimulation tests can occur in children with low sex steroids.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate sex steroid priming's role in enhancing GH secretion during GHSTs.
  • To assess its impact on diagnostic accuracy for pediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD).

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of medical literature.
  • Search conducted via PubMed with strict eligibility criteria.
  • Analysis of 17 studies (1097 participants) published between 1969 and 2022.

Main Results:

  • Most studies showed increased GH peak levels after sex steroid priming.
  • Priming reduced false-positive diagnoses of GHD.
  • Significant variability in priming protocols (hormone type, dose, administration) was observed.
  • Some studies found no benefit in true GHD cases.

Conclusions:

  • Sex steroid priming appears to enhance GHST specificity for GHD without adverse growth effects.
  • Standardized guidelines for exogenous sex steroid administration are currently lacking.
  • Further prospective studies are required to establish its diagnostic utility.

Keywords:
diagnostic accuracyestrogengrowth hormone deficiencygrowth hormone stimulation testpersonalized medicinesex steroid primingtestosterone

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