Which test is used to determine the appropriateness of growth hormone therapy in a child?

• A. Bone density scan
• B. Skeletal survey to assess epiphyses
• C. Growth velocity measurement
• D. Thyroid function tests

Answer: (B)

The assessment of a child's growth hormone therapy appropriateness primarily relies on measuring their growth velocity, which directly correlates to how well a child is growing over time. Growth velocity measures the rate of growth in a child, typically tracked over a period, and helps determine whether their growth rate is sufficient compared to established norms for age and sex.

In the context of evaluating growth hormone therapy, measuring growth velocity is critical, as it provides insight into the potential efficacy of treatment. If a child has significantly low growth velocity, it might indicate a deficiency in growth hormone or other growth-related issues, thus making them a candidate for therapy.

While assessing skeletal maturity through a skeletal survey can indicate the timing of growth cessation and epiphyseal closure, it is not the primary tool used to guide interventions like growth hormone therapy. Bone density scans and thyroid function tests are also important in the broader assessment of growth and overall health but do not provide immediate insight into the specific need for growth hormone treatment as effectively as growth velocity measurements. Therefore, growth velocity measurement serves as the most relevant and appropriate test for determining the need for growth hormone therapy in a child.