Children with severe Osteogenesis imperfecta and short stature present on average with normal IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels

Background: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is characterized by bone fragility and short stature. Data about IGF-I/IGFBP-3 levels are rare in OI. Therefore IGF-I/IGFBP-3 levels in children with different types of OI were investigated. Methods: IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels of 60 children (male n=38) were assessed in a retrospective cross-sectional setting. Results: Height/weight was significant different [height z-score type 3 versus type 4: p=0.0011 and weight (p <= 0.0001)] between OI type 3 and 4. Mean IGF-I levels were in the lower normal range (mean +/- SD level 137.4 +/- 109.1 mu g/L). Mean IGFBP-3 measurements were in the normal range (mean +/- SD 3.105 +/- 1.175 mg/L). No significant differences between OI type 3 and 4 children have been observed (IGF-I: p=0.0906; IGFBP-3: p=0.2042). Conclusions: Patients with different severities of OI have IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels in the lower normal range. The type of OI does not significantly influence these growth factors.