Potential biochemical growth markers in premature infants
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 18, 2026
Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, USA.
Insights
The C-terminal fragment of type I procollagen (PICP) is a reliable biochemical marker for tracking growth in low birth weight (LBW) infants and can help identify those at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Growth Monitoring
Background:
- Accurate assessment of growth in low birth weight (LBW) infants is crucial for monitoring health and therapeutic responses.
- Biochemical markers can offer rapid insights into infant development and potential complications.
- Identifying reliable markers is essential for optimizing care in premature neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To serially measure C-terminal fragment of type I procollagen (PICP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), and osteocalcin (OC) in LBW infants.
- To correlate changes in these markers with infant weight changes during the first 6 weeks of life.
- To evaluate PICP as a potential biomarker for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) development.
Main Methods:
- Serial blood sampling from premature neonates (< or =36 weeks gestation) for PICP, BSAP, and OC measurements via immunoassay.
- Daily weight recording throughout the first 6 weeks of postnatal life.
- Correlation analysis between marker levels and weight changes, and evaluation of PICP for BPD prediction in a subset population.
Main Results:
- PICP showed a significant correlation with weight change in LBW infants (p<0.0001), unlike BSAP and OC.
- PICP levels decreased initially, mirroring the typical postnatal weight loss, while BSAP increased.
- Lower PICP levels at 4 weeks were associated with a higher likelihood of developing BPD (p<0.04).
Conclusions:
- PICP is a valuable biochemical marker for assessing somatic growth in premature infants.
- PICP measurements correlate with growth and can potentially serve as an early indicator for BPD.
- This marker aids in monitoring growth and identifying risks in vulnerable LBW populations.
Abstract:
Identification of a biochemical marker of growth in low birth weight (LBW) infants would be of benefit to rapidly assess the effects of illness and/or therapeutic intervention. The aims of the present study were (1) to measure serially the C-terminal fragment of type I procollagen (PICP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), and osteocalcin (OC) in LBW infants during the first 6 weeks of life; (2) to correlate the changes in PICP, BSAP, and OC with the changes in weight; and (3) to evaluate PICP levels as a marker for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Premature neonates (< or =36 weeks of gestation) had cord blood and then weekly blood samples taken from up to 6 weeks after birth. Daily changes in weight were recorded. Measurements of serum PICP, BSAP, and OC were done in duplicate by immunoassay. In a subset population (25-30 weeks), PICP levels in the first 4 weeks of life were evaluated as a marker for subsequent development of BPD. A total of 77 infants had serum PICP and BSAP measured. The mean (+/- SEM) gestational ages of all the infants were 30.4 (+/-0.3) weeks and birth weights 1477 (+/-55) g. Fifteen infants also had measurements of OC done. In these 15 infants, change in weight was correlated significantly with PICP (p<0.0001), but not with either BSAP (p = 0.8) or OC measurements (p = 0.9). In appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants (n = 66), the PICP values decreased from the cord blood values to the week 1 measurement, coinciding with the fall in weight over the same time period. BSAP values, on the other hand, continued to increase from birth onwards. Over the first 6 weeks of postnatal life in these infants, change in weight had a stronger positive correlation with PICP (R2 = 0.43, p<0.0001) than BSAP (R2 = 0.03, p<0.01). In the subset population, PICP levels at week 4 were significantly lower (p<0.04) in those infants who subsequently developed BPD. PICP measurements are correlated with somatic growth in premature infants and could be used as a biochemical marker in infants who develop BPD.
