Endocrinology: growth hormone deficiency: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pediatrics · Endocrinology: growth hormone deficiency

Sample item

A 6-year-old has short stature with a height velocity of 3 cm per year, delayed bone age and doll-like facies. A growth hormone stimulation test shows a peak GH of 4 ng/ml. What is the treatment?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Recombinant growth hormone

Growth hormone deficiency is confirmed when peak GH is below 10 ng/ml (some use 7) after two stimulation tests. Recombinant GH is given daily subcutaneously until growth is complete. Thyroid function should be checked before testing.

Option by option

  • A. Oxandrolone alone

    Anabolic steroids are not first-line.

  • B. Testosterone

    Testosterone is used for delayed puberty in boys.

  • C. Recombinant growth hormone (correct)

    Correct. Replace growth hormone.

  • D. Thyroxine

    Thyroxine treats hypothyroidism.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, Recombinant growth hormone. Growth hormone deficiency is confirmed when peak GH is below 10 ng/ml (some use 7) after two stimulation tests.

Why is "Oxandrolone alone" not the answer?

Anabolic steroids are not first-line.

Why is "Testosterone" not the answer?

Testosterone is used for delayed puberty in boys.

Why is "Thyroxine" not the answer?

Thyroxine treats hypothyroidism.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Endocrinology: growth hormone deficiency in Pediatrics. Recombinant GH is given daily subcutaneously until growth is complete. Thyroid function should be checked before testing.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Endocrinology: growth hormone deficiency?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.