Growth hormone, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor-1 in hypermobility syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate growth factors in patients with hypermobility syndrome (HMS), namely insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and growth hormone (GH).

METHODS

Standard radioimmunoassay quantified serum levels of insulin, IGF-1, and GH in 24 women and 7 men with HMS, and in suitable age and sex matched controls. Several patients with other heritable connective disorders were also studied, including congenital hip dysplasia and severe kyphosis.

RESULTS

Patients with HMS and with otherwise unexplained joint and muscle pain were found to have elevated levels of insulin, IGF-1, and GH. Patients with heritable connective tissue disorders had elevated GH levels, and several patients had elevated insulin and IGF-1 levels.

CONCLUSION

In patients with HMS, elevation of serum growth factors helps establish the diagnosis. GH alone can induce muscle and joint pain.