Consensus and controversies about diagnosing GH deficiency: a Delphi survey by the GH research society
An erratum to this article was published (Pituitary, 27 Jul 2026 ↗)
Authors' conclusion
Consensus on the GHD diagnosis was lower in pediatric practice, mainly with respect to choice and interpretation of GH stimulation tests.
Study context
- Population
- Pediatric and adult endocrinologists from 14 countries, GH Research Society Delphi survey on GHD diagnosis in children and adults61 statements
- Participants
- 18 vs 25
- Exposure
- Pediatric vs adult endocrinologist panels
- Pediatricn = 18
- Adultn = 25
- Outcome
- Consensus (≥ 80% of panelists rating agreement ≥ 5 or disagreement ≤ 3) on 61 statements on GHD diagnosis
Methodological detailsinternational panel (14 countries), Likert-type scale (1-7), consensus predefined as ≥ 80% agreement
- International panel (14 countries)
- Likert-type scale (1-7)
- Consensus predefined as ≥ 80% agreement
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Statements reaching consensus
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Consensus content
- General agreement to test for GHD in an appropriate clinical context and on timing of testing, in children and adults
- Subnormal IGF-1 considered diagnostic in children and adults with panhypopituitarism
- Children: consensus to recommend arginine stimulation test and glucagon test
- Adults: insulin tolerance test considered gold standard; consensus to recommend macimorelin test
- Stimulated GH cut-off < 5μg/l consistent with severe GHD in children; test-specific cut-offs recommended in adults
Original publication
Consensus and controversies about diagnosing GH deficiency: a Delphi survey by the GH research society. Pituitary. Published 7 May 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →