Relation of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 levels to growth retardation in extrahepatic portal vein obstruction.

Background: Growth retardation has been described in patients with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO). An abnormal growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis has been postulated as a possible etiology. We compared anthropometric parameters and IGF-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels in patients with EHPVO with their siblings as controls.

Bone mineral density and disorders of mineral metabolism in chronic liver disease.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence and identify the risk factors for metabolic bone disease in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods: The study was performed on 72 Indian patients with cirrhosis (63 male, nine female; aged < 50 years). Etiology of cirrhosis was alcoholism (n = 37), hepatitis B (n = 25) and hepatitis C (n = 10).