[IGF-1 levels in elderly patients during perioperative period]

In the present study, concentrations of serum cortisol, ACTH, IRI, growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were measured in 24 surgical patients. Patients were divided into two groups, elderly group (n = 12, age > or = 60, mean age: 68.4 +/- 1.3) and younger group (n = 12, age < 60, mean age: 44.5 +/- 3.5). The samples were taken before and immediately after surgery and on days 1 and 2 postoperatively. Serum levels of cortisol, ACTH, IRI and growth hormone increased significantly after surgery compared to baseline values but they showed no significant differences between elderly group and younger group. Only serum IGF-1 levels were significantly different between them. They were at consistently lower levels in elderly group throughout this study. In contrast, they decreased significantly after surgery, but high IGF-1 levels were maintained in younger group. Catabolic condition shown by negative nitrogen balance is induced after surgery. IGF-1 has potential anabolic effect in human. The pharmacological approach using IGF-1 in the elderly surgical patients will be necessary in order to improve their overall conditions before and after surgery in the future.