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Stanford Health Care

Approach to the evaluation of the GH/IGF-axis in patients with pituitary disease: Which test to order PITUITARY Roberts, B., Katznelson, L. 2007; 10 (2): 205-211

Abstract

The diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) and acromegaly involves assessment of serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations. The diagnosis of AGHD typically requires a provocative test of GH reserve, but is supported by demonstration of low-serum IGF-1 levels. Therapeutic monitoring of rhGH replacement is performed utilizing measurement of serum IGF-1 concentrations. In patients with suspected acromegaly, the diagnosis is confirmed by elevated serum IGF-1 levels and further validated by the presence of elevated GH levels both before and following an oral glucose load. A goal of acromegaly therapy is to normalize IGF-1 concentrations, and, depending on the therapeutic modality, GH levels as well. Using case based clinical scenarios, we have presented a standard approach to the biochemical diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of these disorders.

View details for DOI 10.1007/s11102-007-0026-x

View details for Web of Science ID 000252303800013

View details for PubMedID 17429594