Clinical relevance of serum measurements of insulin-like growth factors and somatomedin binding proteins.
With the presently available RIAs, serum levels of IGF-I, IGF-II and somatomedin binding protein can be determined specifically. Basal IGF-I and binding protein levels are low in GH deficiency, and normality of these parameters virtually excludes the condition. If, in a given clinical situation, auxological criteria and IGF-I (binding protein) levels suggest GH deficiency but the diagnosis is rejected by conventional stimulation tests, a further diagnostic work-up is needed, including measurements of spontaneously secreted GH. IGF measurements may serve as tools to disclose the unknown pathogenesis in growth disorders. Short-term responses of IGFs to exogenous GH may assist in defining the GH doses required to induce long-term growth.
Ranke
M B
MB
University Children's Hospital, Tübingen, West Germany.
Blum
W F
WF
Bierich
J R
JR
D000293:Adolescent; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D018969:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000097:blood*; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D013002:Somatomedins / Q000097:blood*
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D018969:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins; D013002:Somatomedins; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D007335:Insulin-Like Growth Factor II; D013006:Growth Hormone