Detecting and treating growth hormone deficiency
Described herein is a new oral method for using MK-0677 for detecting growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD). Also described is a method of treating growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) in children with a functional hypothalamic-pituitary GH axis.
1. A theranostic test for treating a child having a growth hormone deficiency, comprising:
(i.) testing the child for a peak serum GH ≥5 μg/L in response to a single oral dose of MK-0677; and
(ii.) testing the child for a baseline serum IGF-I of >30 ng/mL.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the testing for peak serum comprises:
a administering a single, oral dose of MK-0677 to the child; and,
b testing the GH serum levels achieved after administering MK-0677 to determine the child's peak serum GH level.