Insulin-like growth factor-i in prednisolone-treated children
Tsau, Y.K.; Lee, J.S.; Chen, C.H.
Zhonghua Minguo Xiao Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi Zhonghua Minguo Xiao Er Ke Yi Xue Hui 31(1): 11-16
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-6578 PMID: 2278223 Document Number: 354782
Impaired linear growth is a well-known side effect of long-term steroid therapy in children. To assess the steroid effects on plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I), 11 children with prednisolone treatment were evaluated for longitudinal study of IGF-I changes. The mean plasma IGF-I level without prednisolone use was 1.39 +/- 1.03 mu/ml, while that on prednisolone therapy for a minimum of 10 days was 2.95 +/- 1.16 mu/ml. A significant increase in plasma IGF-I concentrations was noted during long-term (more than 10 days) prednisolone therapy (P less than 0.001), but not found shortly after prednisolone administration. Our findings suggest that growth suppression of the steroid is not due to impaired IGF-I production, but rather, due to a defective IGF-I action either by end-organ unresponsiveness or via somatomedin inhibitors.