Speciality Services
Growth Hormone Stimulation Test
A child should be monitored from birth on wards till puberty to document his/her growth and the rate of growth.
The child development is plotted and compared to the Mid Parental Height.
| Child’s height | Interpret |
| Child short of MPH | Consult Paediatric Endocrinologist |
| Slow rate of Growth | Consult Paediatric Endocrinologist |
Growth hormone stimulation test are done in children who are faltering in height. It tests the status of growth hormone in the body and the expected out-comes to treatment with growth hormone.
A growth hormone stimulation is done in children who are faltering in height and is undertaken to know status of growth hormone in the body and the expected out-comes to treatment with growth hormone. It finds out if the pituitary gland is releasing growth hormone into the bloodstream in the right amounts.
Before the test
The child is advised to be fasting overnight (atleast 8hrs) before starting the test. He/she is allowed to have water during the period of fasting.
How the Test is Done
The test is done in a clinic or hospital under supervision and can take upto 3 hours. The child is given a dose of Clonidine following which a cannula is put in the vein in the hand for drawing serial samples of growth hormone very 30 mins. The child remains fasting during the duration of the test.
His blood sugar and blood pressure will be monitored regularly during testing.
After the Test
Once all the samples are taken the child is advised to eat a meal and is advised to drink lots of water. He/she will be discharged thereafter once your doctor has examined your child.
Clonidine: Clonidine lowers blood pressure. The most common side effect is feeling dizzy and lightheaded. Your child should get up slowly after sitting or lying down and be extra careful climbing stairs. These side effects can last up to 24 hours. Your child should be fine the following day after a good night’s sleep.