INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH-FACTOR-I IN CELIAC-DISEASE

To contribute to the description of the physiopathological mechanisms of celiac disease, changes in insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) wer e followed-up in 21 children suspected of suffering from celiac diseas e. Thirteen children were suffering from celiac disease according to t he original criteria of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenter ology and Nutrition. Ten celiac children changing from a gluten-contai ning to a gluten-free diet presented a significant rise in IGF-I (+1.5 4 mM per month). In a group of eight celiac children challenged with g luten, seven had a significant decrease in IGF-I (- 1.11 mM per month) , and five celiac children returning to the gluten-free diet after cha llenge with gluten had a marked but not significant increase in IGF-I (+1.7 mM per month). Eight children not suffering from celiac disease, but challenged with gluten, had a significant increase in IGF-I (+ 0. 29 mM per month), corresponding to the expected age-dependent increase . The significant changes in IGF-I described under the diagnostic diet etic phases of celiac disease reflect the extent of growth retardation caused by the disease. IGF-I may be a supplementary aid in the diagno sis of celiac disease in describing individual changes under the diete tic phases.