[Growth hormone determination using the insulin-induced hypoglycemia test--results of a 3-year period].

Aim: To present results of growth hormone (GH) stimulating test by insulin induced hypoglycaemia in the last three years. In the period from from 1992-1999. we could not perform any test for GH measuring because of lack of kits.

Patient And Methods: Indications for measuring GH are body height < p3, bone age < p75 of proper for age or growth velocity < 4 cm/yearly. GH measuring test is performed by radioisotope method: results < 7 mlU/1 confirm absolute and 7-15 mIU/l partial GH deficiency.

Results: During three years' long period GH test was performed in 54 patients: 33 (61%) boys mean age of 11.8 years and in 21 girls (39%) mean age off 9.2 years. 32% of patients were from Canton of Sarajevo, 18.5% from Zenicki and the same percent from Unsko-sanski, 17% from Middle-bosnian Canton, 11% from Hercegovinian and 4% from Tuzlanski Canton. In 80% of patients body height was < p 3.80% of patient had delay in bone age more than 1 year. Results of test in 13 patients confirmed absolute and in 18 patients relative deficiency of GH. Only 4 patients with absolute GH deficiency are under GH therapy.

Conclusion: Introducing GH measuring test again is useful. There is a great number of patients with absolute and relative GH deficiency (57%), so it is necessary to centralize evidention and medicine supply for those children.