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

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of recombinant human growth hormone therapy (GHT) on serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) concentrations in Indian children with growth hormone deficiency. METHODS: Data on anthropometry and serum IGF-1 concentrations were collected from 28 growth hormone-deficient prepubertal children (8.6 ± 2.9 years) on growth hormone therapy, 6 monthly over the period of 2 years. RESULTS: Height z-scores showed a steady increase from baseline to 24 months. However, IGF-1 z-scores showed a plateau after the first 6 months and then a small dip followed by a rise. The pattern of increase of IGF-1 z-scores was dissimilar to that of the height z-scores. CONCLUSION: The change in serum IGF-1 z-scores in response to GHT in Indian children may not be a good indicator for monitoring growth hormone responsiveness.