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Serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), IGF-binding proteins-1 and -3, and postnatal growth of late preterm

V I Giapros1, V Schiza, A S Challa

  • 1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece. vgiapros@cc.uoi.gr

Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|July 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Late preterm infants show lower insulin-like growth factor (IGF) levels early on, which correlate with accelerated growth. These IGF levels may regulate growth trajectories in these infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Endocrinology
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Late preterm infants (born 32-36 weeks gestation) may experience impaired early growth.
  • The role of circulating insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in regulating postnatal growth in this population is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively investigate serum IGF-I, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-3 levels during the first year of life in late preterm infants.
  • To assess the association of these IGF levels with birth weight and early postnatal growth.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 112 late preterm infants (appropriate for gestational age).
  • Serum IGF-I, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-3 levels were measured at 2 and 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.
  • Anthropometric measurements were recorded concurrently.

Main Results:

  • Mean IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels were lower at 2 and 6 weeks but stabilized from 3 months onwards.
  • IGFBP-1 levels were initially low and increased gradually.
  • IGF-I levels correlated positively with birth weight at 2-6 weeks and negatively at 12 months.
  • Higher IGF-I levels up to 6 months were associated with more rapid infant growth.

Conclusions:

  • Serum IGF-I levels in late preterm infants are closely linked to early accelerated growth.
  • The dynamic associations of IGF-I with birth weight suggest a regulatory role in growth pattern adjustments.

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