High insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), measured once during acute-stroke, is associated with greater survival rates and lower stroke severity. However, information is lacking regarding how IGF-1 availability, determined by IGF-1’s ratio to insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), relates to recovery and how the response of IGF-1 during the first week of stroke relates to outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine: 1) the relationship between percent-change in IGF-1 and IGF-1 ratio during the first week of stroke and stroke outcomes; and 2) the difference in percent-change in IGF-1 and IGF-1 ratio in individuals who discharged home and individuals who discharged to inpatient facilities.
IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were quantified from blood sampled twice (<72 hours of admission; 1-week post-stroke) in fifteen individuals with acute-stroke. Length of stay, modified Rankin Scale at one-month, and discharge destination were obtained from electronic medical records.
Percent-change in IGF-1 ratio was related to length of stay (r=.54; p=.04). Modified Rankin Scale (n=10) was related to percent-change in IGF-1 (r=.90; p<.001) and IGF-1 ratio (r=.75 p=.01). Those who went home (n=7) had decreases in IGF-1 (−24±25%) and IGF-1 ratio (−36±50%), while those who went to inpatient facilities (n=8) had increases in IGF-1 (37±46%) and IGF-1 ratio (30±40%). These differences were significant (IGF-1: p=.008; IGF-1 ratio p=.01).