Evaluation of the GHRH-arginine retest for young adolescents with childhood-onset GH deficiency

When retesting adolescents at near-adult height for severe GHD of adulthood, a GH value of < 15.9 ng/ml in GHRH + ARG is discriminatory with good accuracy. Conversion factors for other GH assays in use are provided. A rational decision for or against the continuation of GH therapy into adulthood can be made based on the clinical history of the patient and the combination of the GHRH + ARG retest result and the IGF-I serum concentrations when off GH.