[Oral clonidine test for growth hormone release (author's transl)]

Serum growth hormone (GH) was determined in 15 children (three with normal height, one with pituitary dwarfism, and eleven with short stature without endocrinological disturb) after oral clonidine load of 0,15 mg/m2 S.A. Significant GH increase was observed, as other authors have reported. Authors findings confirm that clonidine is a potent stimulus for growth hormone release, without relevant side effects. In two children with short stature without endocrinological disturb, there was a partial failure to increase GH in response to clonidine. Authors conclude that confirmation of GH deficiency in the case of failure to respond to oral clonidine test requires one other stimulation test.