Combined test may save time, money when diagnosing growth hormone deficiency

A clonidine-arginine stimulation test (CACST) was found to be safe and reliable in detecting growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children, potentially eliminating the need for multiple tests, according to a study.

In this retrospective, single-center, observational study, 515 patients aged >8 years underwent GH stimulation tests. The mean age of participants was 12.2 years and the majority were prepubertal (n = 282) and boys (n = 331). A CACST test was used on 362 patients and CST was used on 153 patients.

After a confirmatory test, GHD rate was comparable with 12.7% for CACST and 14.4% for CST (P = 0.609).

In response to CACST, peak GH levels were higher and occurred later when compared to CST. No serious adverse events were reported after CACST.

“By diminishing the need for a second [growth hormone stimulation test], CACST saves time, is more cost-effective, and reduces discomfort for children, caregivers, and medical staff.

Reference
Oron T, Krieger A, Yakobovich-Gavan M, et al. Diagnosing growth hormone deficiency – Can a combined arginine and clonidine stimulation test replace two separate tests? Endocr Pract. 2021;S1530-891X(21)01167-8. doi: 10.1016/j.eprac.2021.08.004. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34418530.