skip to main content

Growth hormone deficiency — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateEndocrinology and growthGrowth hormone deficiencyRACP Paediatrics

A 6-year-old boy is below the 1st centile for height and has fallen across centiles. Weight is preserved, bone age is delayed and IGF-1 is low; there are no chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Paediatric endocrine assessment including growth hormone stimulation testing

Falling height centiles with preserved weight and low IGF-1 suggests an endocrine cause such as growth hormone deficiency, requiring specialist assessment and stimulation testing. Preserved weight does not exclude endocrine pathology; it actually makes chronic systemic disease less likely. The pearl is that height velocity is more informative than a single height measurement.

Reference: RCH Clinical Practice Guidelines: Short stature; Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG)