IGF-I and IGF Binding Protein-3 Levels during Initial GH Dosage Step-Up Are Indicators of GH Sensitivity in GH-Deficient Children and Short Children Born Small for Gestational Age

Abstract

IGFs increase during initial GH therapy, thus raising questions about short-term IGF generation tests. (I) In terms of IGF generation, substantially lower sensitivity to GH was observable in SGA. (II) Higher GH sensitivity during first year catch-up growth is associated with GHD, but in SGA it is attributable to increases in IGF. A wider range of GH dosages needs to be explored in order to gain further insight into the relationship between GH dose, IGF levels, and growth. Monitoring IGFs is a practical means for exploring GH sensitivity during dosage stepping up.