Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Pro-Collagen Type III N-Terminal Peptide in Adolescent Elite Athletes: Implications for the Detection of Growth Hormone Abuse in Sport

Abstract

The GH-2000 score rises in early adolescence, reaches a peak in athletes aged 13-16 yr, and then falls. We have found no evidence that the proposed GH-2000 score developed in adults would lead to an unacceptable rate of false-positive results in adolescent athletes, but caution may be required around the time of peak growth velocity.