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Insulin-like Growth Factor 1
Also written as: IGF-1
A hormone that mediates growth hormone effects and is used to assess growth disorders.
Full Definition
Insulin-like growth factor 1 is a protein hormone produced primarily by the liver in response to growth hormone stimulation. IGF-1 levels reflect integrated growth hormone secretion over several days, making it useful for diagnosing growth hormone deficiency or excess. It is particularly important in pediatric endocrinology for evaluating short stature and in adults for acromegaly screening. IGF-1 levels vary significantly with age and nutritional status.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify age-adjusted reference ranges; note nutritional status impact.
In Context
- "Low IGF-1 levels in children may indicate growth hormone deficiency requiring stimulation testing." — Pediatric endocrinology
- "IGF-1 is preferred over random growth hormone levels due to its stability." — Laboratory medicine
Also known as
IGF-1
Somatomedin C
Don't confuse with
Growth Hormone
IGF-2
IGFBP-3