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A pharmacokinetic and dosing study of intravenous insulin-like growth factor-I and IGF-binding protein-3 complex to

Chatarina Löfqvist1, Aimon Niklasson, Eva Engström

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Göteborg 416 85, Sweden.

Pediatric Research
|February 5, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study found that intravenous recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-1 (rhIGF-I) with its binding protein 3 (rhIGFBP-3) is safe and well-tolerated in preterm infants, effectively increasing IGF-I levels.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Pharmacokinetics

Background:

  • Low insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-I) levels in preterm infants are linked to impaired growth and retinopathy of prematurity.
  • Understanding the safety and pharmacokinetics of IGF-I administration is crucial for potential therapeutic interventions in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of intravenous recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-1 (rhIGF-I) combined with its binding protein 3 (rhIGFBP-3) in preterm infants.
  • To assess the impact of rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 administration on serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels.

Main Methods:

  • A single intravenous infusion of rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 was administered to five preterm infants at 3 days chronological age.
  • Serial measurements of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels were taken post-infusion.
  • Physiologic safety parameters including blood glucose, insulin, electrolytes, and vital signs were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Administration of rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 significantly increased serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels immediately post-infusion.
  • The median half-life for IGF-I was 0.79 hours and for IGFBP-3 was 0.87 hours.
  • All assessed physiologic safety measures remained within normal ranges, indicating good tolerability.

Conclusions:

  • Intravenous administration of rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 in an equimolar proportion is safe and well-tolerated in preterm infants.
  • This therapeutic approach effectively increases serum IGF-I levels, suggesting potential for managing growth-related issues in this population.

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