[Survey of growth hormone deficiency in children].

When other causes of retarded growth have been ruled out, investigation for classic growth hormone deficiency is indicated in children with reduced velocity of growth and retarded bone development. In cases of classic growth hormone deficiency there is insufficient increase in growth hormone levels after two stimulation tests. However, some short children whose stimulation tests are normal but whose spontaneous growth hormone secretion is reduced or pathological may possibly benefit from growth hormone treatment. Therefore measurements of spontaneous growth hormone secretion and insulin-like growth factor IGF-1 have also been used in the diagnosis of growth hormone-related short stature. The authors present a overview of the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency in practice based on their own experience.