ESPE Abstracts

Introduction: Growth hormone (GH) deficiency in children with short stature poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Sex steroid priming before GH stimulation tests (GHST) is a strategy employed to enhance the diagnostic accuracy for GH deficiency. However, the efficacy and impact of this approach remain subjects of debate.

Aim: This study aim ed to evaluate the effects of sex steroid priming on various growth and hormonal parameters in short stature children undergoing GH stimulation tests.

Methods: The study involved 40 children with short stature, randomized into two groups: 'With Priming' (n = 20) and 'Without Priming' (n = 20). Parameters assessed included age, height standard deviation score (HTSD), weight standard deviation score (WTSD), BMI standard deviation score (BMISD), growth velocity (GV), GVSD/HVSD, mid-parental height standard deviation (MPHSD), Tanner stage, peak GH level (GHST peak), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)

Results: Comparison between the two groups "With Priming" and "Without Priming"

There is no significant difference in the average age, GV or HTSD 1 between the two groups. Mid-Parental Height Standard Deviation (MPHSD) did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (P = 0.5869). Tanner Stage was not different between the two groups (P = 0.0945). No significant difference in GH peak levels is observed (P = 0.3234). However, 4/20 and 8/20 were diagnosed with GHD (peak < 7 ng/dl) in the non-primed vs primed groups. IGF1SD did not differ between the two groups (P = 0.1052).

Conclusion: Sex steroid priming before GH stimulation tests in children with short stature appears to positively influence GH, however, the variability in response between primed and non-primed groups underscores the necessity for individualized diagnostic approaches.