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Published on: January 7, 2016

Evaluation of insulin-like growth factor-1 in Indian growth hormone-deficient children on growth hormone therapy

Veena H Ekbote1, Vaishakhi T Rustagi, Vaman V Khadilkar

  • 1Growth and Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Hirabai Cowasji Jehangir Medical Research Institute, Jehangir Hospital, Pune, India.

Endocrine Research
|July 9, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Recombinant human growth hormone therapy (GHT) improved height in Indian children, but serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels did not consistently track growth. IGF-1 monitoring may not reliably indicate growth hormone responsiveness in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) affects children's growth.
  • Recombinant human growth hormone therapy (GHT) is a standard treatment.
  • Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is a mediator of growth hormone action.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effect of GHT on serum IGF-1 levels in Indian children with GHD.
  • To determine if IGF-1 levels accurately reflect growth response to GHT.

Main Methods:

  • Anthropometric data and serum IGF-1 concentrations were collected from 28 prepubertal Indian children with GHD.
  • Measurements were taken every 6 months for 2 years during GHT.
  • Height and IGF-1 z-scores were analyzed over time.

Main Results:

  • Height z-scores consistently increased throughout the 24-month study period.
  • IGF-1 z-scores plateaued after 6 months, dipped slightly, then rose.
  • The pattern of IGF-1 z-score changes did not correlate with height z-score changes.

Conclusions:

  • Serum IGF-1 z-scores may not be a reliable indicator of growth hormone responsiveness in Indian children undergoing GHT.
  • Alternative or additional markers might be needed for monitoring treatment efficacy.
Abstract

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