The insulin‐like growth factor‐I generation test: peripheral responsiveness to growth hormone is not decreased with ageing

Abstract

These data illustrate that although activity of the GH/IGF-I axis declines with age, peripheral responsiveness to GH is not attenuated. This suggests that a decrease in GH responsiveness does not contribute to the age-related fall in circulating GH-dependent peptides. Thus, for those embarking on trials of GH therapy or GH secretagogues in the elderly, the capacity to generate IGF-I will not limit potential efficacy. Furthermore, the dose of GH replacement required for patients with organic GH deficiency is likely to be lower in the elderly compared with young adults.