Diagnostic validity of 12-hour integrated concentration of growth hormone
G. E. Richards, A. Cavallo and W. J. Meyer 3rd
We tested the hypothesis that integrated concentration of human growth
hormone (ICGH) during the 12-hour nighttime (8 pm to 8 am) period is
closely correlated with the 24-hour integrated concentration and would be
as useful for diagnostic purposes. We determined hourly ICGH during 24
hours in 67 children and calculated the 12- and 24-hour values. Nineteen
children had normal stature, 13 had classic growth hormone deficiency, four
had growth hormone neurosecretory dysfunction, 23 had short stature but no
hormonal abnormality could be diagnosed, and eight had miscellaneous
disorders. There was a close correlation between the 12- and the 24-hour
ICGH. For diagnostic purposes, 12-hour nighttime ICGH is as useful as
24-hour ICGH. Use of the shorter test for determination of physiologic
growth hormone secretion will save the patients time, expense, and blood
volume.
