Causes of low insulin-like growth factor 1

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is tested in blood samples and is usually detected in tertiary hospitals. IGF levels are reduced when growth hormone is deficient. If a growing adolescent shows short stature, IGF-1 should be tested. IGF levels are also reduced in children with severe liver disease. Very few children with growth hormone insensitivity syndrome, although not deficient in growth hormone, do not produce enough insulin-like growth factor and are short in stature.