Insulin-like growth factor 1 measurement in diagnosis and management of acromegaly.

Abstract

This article discusses the characteristic features of growth hormone secretion and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) concentrations both in patients with acromegaly and in normal subjects. The therapeutic options for the treatment of acromegaly are briefly discussed, as are the current definitions of successful therapy. The article focuses on the use of serum and urinary growth hormone measurements along with the current and potential use of serum IGF-1, both at diagnosis and during long-term follow-up.