Context: IGF-I serum levels are suppressed in cirrhosis, but its prognostic significance is unknown.
Objectives: To investigate the prognostic value of IGF-I in patients admitted for acute decompensation of cirrhosis.
Materials and methods: Cohort study that included 103 patients. IGF-I was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: Ninety-day mortality was 26.2% and it was independently associated with MELD, age and IGF-I. The Kaplan-Meier survival probability at 90 days was 94.3% in patients with IGF-I ≥13 ng/mL and 63.2% for patients with IGF-I <13 ng/mL (p = .001).
Discussion and conclusion: IGF-I levels are independently associated with mortality in acute decompensation of cirrhosis.
Keywords: IGF-I; Liver cirrhosis; ascites; portal hypertension.