An immediate investigation should be started in severe short stature defined as a short child more than 3 standard deviations below the mean of children at the same age. Measurement of a random serum GH level alone is not helpful. Measurement of Insulin-like<unk>  factor I (IGF-I) and Insulin-like<unk>  factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is more helpful than GH level alone. GH stimulation tests are indicated for most patients suspected to have GHD. If the clinical and other laboratory criteria are sufficient to make the diagnosis of GHD, there is no need to perform the test. Pharmacologic stimuli include clonidine, glucagon, arginine, and insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Administration of sex steroids for a few days prior to the provocative GH testing reduces the chance of a false-positive result.
Growth hormone deficiency laboratory findings
Down syndrome laboratory findings
Growth hormone deficiency diagnostic criteria
Adiposogenital dystrophy laboratory findings
Turner syndrome laboratory findings
Hunter syndrome laboratory findings
Tuberous sclerosis laboratory findings
Asperger syndrome laboratory findings