METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING OR PREDICTING SHORT STATURE IN HUMANS

摘要

An improved assay for measuring the release of endogenous growth hormone (GH) is described. The method focuses on determining the presence of an immediate release pool (IRP) of GH, and the extent to which it is rapidly discharged into the circulation of humans, including children. A larger and less labile pool responds continuously to long term stimulation. The method considers that determining the ten minute AUC measurement, i.e., ten minutes after induction of GH release by administering growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) will reveal an immediate release pool of GH. As further disclosed herein, the IRP of GH has a higher correlation with peak GH release than the conventional 120 minute time point. Further the AUC₁₀ correlates with height standard deviation measurements whereas the AUC₁₂₀ does not.