HORMONAL BREAST AUGMENTATION - PROGNOSTIC RELEVANCE OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH-FACTOR-I

Many women would like to alter their breasts but are deterred by the r isks involved. Silicone breast implants have been linked to a variety of illnesses, the most controversial of which are connective-tissue di seases. These circumstances urged us to perform this pilot study using a non-invasive method that involved the application of 17 beta-estrad iol as if is known that estradiol enhances expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) which can promote growth in breast tissue. For ty-five women were included in the study. Their breast volume, IGF-I, prolactin (PRL) and estradiol levels were measured before treatment an d between each application of 80 mg estradiol polyphosphate. The women 's satisfaction with the results obtained was also subsequently evalua ted. In 21 women (46.7%), breast size increased from 824.3 +/- 13.7 mm to 898.5 +/- 12.5 mm after 6 months. In these women a significant inc rease in IGF-I values was noted after 4 weeks of treatment. The increa se in IGF-I values was not statistically significant in the remaining women. In addition, treatment was not successful in these women. IGF-I concentration seems to be of prognostic value as far as the response of breast tissue to estrogen stimulation is concerned. If IGF-I levels do not increase within 1 month, treatment should be discontinued. If IGF-I values do increase, this indicates that treatment is likely to b e successful and can therefore be continued.