Managing the "Transition Age" (Pediatric to Adult)
A critical phase in the Italian clinical pathway is the Transition Age, occurring when a patient reaches their final or "near-final" height (typically defined by a growth rate of less than 2 cm per year). In 2026, Italian endocrinologists follow the ArTS Delphi Consensus, which provides a clear roadmap for moving patients from pediatric to adult care.
During this stage, many patients must be "re-tested" after a 30-day break from medication. This helps doctors determine if the deficiency was temporary (common in some childhood cases) or permanent. If the re-test shows a GH peak below 6 µg/L (using the Insulin Tolerance Test), the patient is diagnosed with Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD). For these patients, therapy continues into adulthood at lower doses to maintain healthy bone density, muscle mass, and metabolic balance.