IGFs and IGFBPs in adult growth hormone deficiency.
In the current guidelines for the diagnosis of adult GH deficiency (GHD) it is stated that, within the appropriate clinical context, it has to be shown by provocative tests only. But the diagnostic value of measuring IGF-I levels has been recently revisited. It has been confirmed that normal IGF-I levels do not rule out severe GHD in adults. However, it has also been emphasized that very low IGF-I levels in patients highly suspected for GHD (and without malnutrition, liver disease or hypothyroidism) could be considered definite evidence for severe GHD. This assumption particularly applies to patients with childhood-onset, severe GHD or with multiple hypopituitarism acquired in adulthood. The value of measuring IGF-I levels for monitoring the efficacy and the adequacy of rhGH replacement remains definitely accepted.
Aimaretti
Gianluca
G
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Baldelli
Roberto
R
Corneli
Ginevra
G
Croce
Chiara
C
Rovere
Silvia
S
Baffoni
Claudia
C
Bellone
Simonetta
S
Gasco
SValentina
S
Granata
Riccarda
R
Grottoli
Silvia
S
Ghigo
Ezio
E
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000172:deficiency*; D006801:Humans; D007018:Hypopituitarism / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D018969:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism*
D015415:Biomarkers; D018969:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Proteins; D019382:Human Growth Hormone; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I