[IGF-1 plasma levels evaluation in prolactinoma]

Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2006 Sep;64(3B):849-54. doi: 10.1590/s0004-282x2006000500026.
[Article in Portuguese]

Abstract

Prolactinomas are the most frequent pituitary tumors and may co-secrete GH (growth hormone). IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor-1) is the main responsible for GH actions and a parameter for the diagnosis of acromegaly. With the objective of identifying through a IGF-1 levels analysis, in the initial evaluation of prolactinoma patients, the existence of mixed tumors [GH and prolactin (PRL)], we studied 7 men and 27 women, aged between 19 and 72 years, confronting them with the results of basal and glucose stimulated (glucose tolerance test--GTT) GH levels, indicated when GH >0.4 ng/mL or IGF-1 levels were elevated. The prevalence of patients with GH >0.4 ng/mL and elevated IGF-1 was higher than expected; however, after GTT, no patient fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for acromegaly. However, we suggest that, they should be submitted to IGF-1 evaluation, due to the risk of GH co-secretion in prolactinomas. Special attention should be paid to those who present a significant decrease of PRL levels without concomitant tumor size reduction.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acromegaly / etiology
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / blood*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoradiometric Assay
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / analysis*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / blood*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / complications
  • Prolactinoma / blood*
  • Prolactinoma / complications
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I