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Preterm birth and the endocrine regulation of growth in childhood and adolescence

Deborah L Rowe1, José G B Derraik, Elizabeth Robinson

  • 1Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Clinical Endocrinology
|May 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Preterm children exhibit impaired growth and remain shorter than their genetic potential. Postnatal hormonal regulation of growth appears disrupted in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Growth and Development
  • Neonatal Research

Background:

  • Preterm birth is linked to childhood growth deficits.
  • Limited understanding of hormonal influences on preterm growth.
  • The Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) and IGF-Binding Protein (IGFBP) axis role in growth is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) and IGF-Binding Protein (IGFBP) axis in preterm children.
  • To determine the association between the IGF-IGFBP axis and growth parameters in preterm children.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 54 preterm children (<37 weeks gestation) and 82 controls, aged 2-20 years.
  • Healthy subjects with normal neurological development were recruited.
  • Analysis of linear growth, weight, body composition, and IGF-IGFBP profiles.

Main Results:

  • Preterm children were significantly shorter and leaner than controls.
  • Preterm subjects did not reach their predicted genetic height potential.
  • Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2 (IGFBP-2) levels were higher in prepubertal preterm children.
  • Growth Hormone (GH) and IGFBP-3 associations with height were absent in preterm children, unlike in controls.

Conclusions:

  • Preterm children experience persistent growth deficits throughout childhood and adolescence.
  • Preterm birth disrupts the endocrine regulation of postnatal growth.
  • Growth in preterm children is dissociated from typical endocrine regulators like IGF-I and IGFBP-3.
Abstract

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