Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (964 page)

   GH is a polypeptide (191 amino acids) originating in the anterior pituitary. Its metabolic effects are primarily anabolic. It promotes protein conservation and engages a wide range of mechanisms for protein synthesis. It also enhances glucose transport and facilitates the buildup of glycogen stores. Testing is used in the diagnosis and treatment of various forms of inappropriate growth hormone secretion.

   
Normal range:

   0–7 years: 1–13.6 ng/mL

   7–11 years: 1–16.4 ng/mL

   11–15 years: 1–14.4 ng/mL

   15–19 years: 1–13.4 ng/mL

   Adult male: 0–4 ng/mL

   Adult female: 0–18 ng/mL

   Interpretation

Increased In

   Pituitary gigantism

   Acromegaly

   Laron dwarfism (defective GH receptor)

   Ectopic GH secretion (neoplasm of the stomach and lung)