Stratégie d'exploration des états d'hypersécrétion d'hormone de croissance

Abstract GH secretion is episodic in humans. Isolated plasma concentrations thus cannot be used to diagnose excess secretion. Assays on GH secretion require repeat determinations of plasma levels over extended 24 h periods. In so-called conjunctive GH hypersecretion conditions (denutrition, critical states), excessive GH secretion is associated with resistance to this hormone, as indicated by a decrease in plasma IGF-I concentrations. In contrast, IGF-I concentrations are high and correlated with GH levels during permanent GH hypersecretion that occurs in acromegaly. Testing for this disorder will vary according to the clinician's objectives.