Serum somatomedin C measurement is used to evaluate developmental disorders, evaluate growth hormone deficiency or excess in children and adults, monitor recombinant human growth hormone therapy, and monitor patients diagnosed with acromegaly and gigantism.
More Information
Somatomedin C or otherwise Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) is a small polypeptide produced mainly in the liver, transported to plasma, and bound to protein carriers. By acting through cell membrane receptors, IGF-1 directly stimulates the growth and proliferation of normal cells, affects glucose metabolism, and therefore affects growth. Serum IGF-1 levels are regulated by both growth hormone levels and the body's nutritional status.
Increasing or decreasing growth hormone in the bloodstream directly causes a corresponding increase or decrease in IGF-1 levels. Thus, this test can be used to confirm growth hormone deficiencies due to pituitary abnormalities. It can also be used to monitor response to growth hormone therapy during growth hormone replacement therapies in adults or in pituitary dwarfism because its levels are higher during developmental peaks. The measurement of somatomedin C is also used to evaluate the severity of acromegaly.
Possible Interpretations of Pathological Values
- Increase: Acromegaly, diabetic retinopathy, gigantism, hyperpituitarism, obesity, pituitary gigantism, premature puberty, pregnancy. Medications: Corticosteroids
- Decrease: Anorexia nervosa, cirrhosis, chronic illnesses, delayed puberty, diabetes mellitus, emotional deprivation syndrome, hepatoma, hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, kwashiorkor, Laron syndrome, liver disease, nutritional deficiency, pituitary tumors. Drugs: Estrogens
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. The correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings, and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
