Endocrine
Screening for Pituitary Hormone Deficiency
Growth Hormone deficiency:
In Children:
- GH deficiency will be associated with a failure to grow normally.
- A growth chart should be used to compare the child's current height, and document how fast he or she is growing compared to other children of the same age and gender. See CDC growth charts
- A physical examination including weight, height, and body proportions will show signs of slowed growth rate.
Several blood tests are used to help diagnose growth hormone deficiency and its causes:
- Insulin tolerance test (ITT)
Tests to measure levels of other pituitary hormones:
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) deficiency:
- ACTH and cortisol levels can be measured
- ACTH hormone test
