A national survey on the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric growth hormone deficiency

Many countries have established regulations regarding growth hormone (GH) treatment in children, to standardise care and control cost. In this study, we describe current practice in Ireland surrounding child measurement and the approach to diagnosis of GH deficiency. A questionnaire was sent to 139 paediatricians in Ireland and 35 (9 paediatric endocrinologists) responded. Only 13 (37.1%) use the recommended 2-person technique for measuring children under 2. Amongst GH prescribers, there were a variety of GH Stimulation Tests used, sex steroid priming was used by 8 (80%) and the general cut-off for a passed test was consistent (7 ng/ml). Brand rotation (n=5, 50%) and cost (n=3, 30%) were the most common criteria for deciding the formulation of GH prescribed. We recommend that departments review their child measurement technique and equipment. We also advise the establishment of national guidelines for the use of GH, and a prospective registry for GH treated children.