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Physical growth and retinopathy in preterm infants: involvement of IGF-I and GH

S Hikino1, K Ihara, J Yamamoto

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.

Pediatric Research
|December 1, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Persistent low insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels in extremely preterm infants correlate with slow physical growth. High growth hormone (GH) levels in these infants are linked to severe retinopathy of prematurity.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) are critical for physical development.
  • Preterm infants, especially those extremely preterm, face unique growth challenges and are at risk for conditions like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serum GH and IGF-I levels in preterm infants based on gestational age.
  • To assess the relationship between GH, IGF-I, physical growth, and the development of ROP in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Serum GH and IGF-I levels were measured in 81 preterm infants categorized by gestational age (<28 wk, 28–34 wk, and >34 wk).
  • Physical growth and ROP development were monitored.
  • Multivariate analysis was used to identify associations between hormone levels and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Extremely preterm infants (<28 wk) exhibited significantly higher GH levels at 1 and 2 months compared to those born at 28–34 wk.
  • Serum IGF-I levels remained low in extremely preterm infants but increased in other groups.
  • IGF-I positively correlated with physical growth in very low birth weight infants, while GH did not.
  • High GH levels at 1 month were significantly associated with severe ROP development.

Conclusions:

  • Low serum IGF-I may contribute to the slow physical growth observed in preterm infants.
  • Elevated GH exposure might be a contributing factor to severe retinopathy of prematurity in this population.

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