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Growth in preterm infants until six months postterm: the role of insulin and IGF-I

Monique van de Lagemaat1, Joost Rotteveel, Annemieke C Heijboer

  • 1Pediatrics Department, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Hormone Research in Paediatrics
|July 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I) and insulin are key regulators of growth in preterm infants up to 6 months corrected age. These hormones influence growth independently of nutrient intake, highlighting their crucial role in early development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Neonatal Growth and Development
  • Metabolic Regulation

Background:

  • Term infants rely on IGF-I and insulin for growth.
  • Preterm infants require specific growth monitoring and support.
  • Understanding hormonal regulation is crucial for optimizing preterm infant outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of IGF-I and insulin in preterm infant growth.
  • To assess the relationship between these hormones and nutrient intake.
  • To determine growth patterns until 6 months corrected age (CA).

Main Methods:

  • Study included 138 preterm infants (gestational age 30.6 weeks).
  • Measurements of weight SDS, length SDS, IGF-I, and insulin were taken at term, 3, and 6 months CA.
  • Statistical analysis examined associations between hormones and growth parameters.

Main Results:

  • IGF-I and insulin levels at term and 3 months CA correlated with weight and length SDS.
  • These hormones were negatively associated with SDS gains between term and 6 months CA.
  • Nutrient intake did not show a significant association with IGF-I or insulin levels.

Conclusions:

  • IGF-I and insulin are significant growth regulators in preterm infants up to 6 months CA.
  • Their influence on growth appears independent of nutrient intake.
  • These findings underscore the importance of hormonal factors in preterm growth trajectories.
Abstract

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