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Somatotropic axis derangement as an underlying factor in the genesis of retinopathy of prematurity

Melinda Y Yeung1

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales, Australia. melinday@chw.edu.au

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|October 26, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Low insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels in premature infants are linked to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Protein under-nutrition may significantly contribute to these low IGF-I levels and increase ROP risk.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Ophthalmology

Background:

  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a major cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
  • Prolonged low serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I concentrations are implicated in ROP development.
  • Premature newborns frequently experience early postnatal nutritional deficits and growth deceleration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between serum IGF-I concentration, nutritional status, and the risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants.

Main Methods:

  • This study analyzed recent research data on premature newborns.
  • Serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I concentrations were assessed.
  • Nutritional status, particularly protein intake, was evaluated.

Main Results:

  • Low serum IGF-I concentration was found to be significantly associated with the genesis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
  • Evidence indicates significant early postnatal nutritional deficits and growth deceleration in premature infants.
  • Serum IGF-I concentration demonstrated a positive correlation with overall nutritional status, especially protein nutrition.

Conclusions:

  • Protein under-nutrition is a potential major determinant of low serum IGF-I concentration in premature infants.
  • Low serum IGF-I levels, potentially driven by protein under-nutrition, significantly increase the risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Abstract

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