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Insulin-like growth factor-I in the parenterally fed low birth weight infant
J R Saini1, J B Morgan, J D Teale
1Department of Child Health, Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, London, UK.
Insights
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) levels often decreased with age in very low birth weight infants receiving parenteral nutrition. Low IGF-I may indicate poor nutritional status in these vulnerable preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (<1200g, <30 weeks gestation) often experience growth faltering.
- Parenteral nutrition (PN) is crucial for VLBW infants but its impact on growth factors requires further study.
- Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) is a key regulator of growth and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal changes in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) in VLBW infants receiving predominantly parenteral nutrition.
- To explore potential relationships between IGF-I levels, nutritional intake, and nitrogen retention in this population.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 9 VLBW infants (<1200g, <30 weeks gestation).
- Infants received ≥85% of nutrient intake via parenteral route.
- IGF-I levels were measured over time and correlated with nitrogen intake, energy intake, and nitrogen retention.
Main Results:
- No significant relationship was observed between IGF-I levels and nitrogen intake, energy intake, or nitrogen retention.
- In 6 out of 9 infants, IGF-I levels showed a decrease with increasing postnatal age.
- IGF-I levels varied considerably among the studied infants.
Conclusions:
- Decreasing IGF-I levels with postnatal age in VLBW infants on PN may not be directly linked to specific nutritional parameters studied.
- Low IGF-I levels in sick preterm infants could be a marker of their overall poor nutritional status and compromised growth rate.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex factors influencing IGF-I regulation in VLBW infants.
Abstract:
Postnatal change in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) was studied longitudinally in 9 very low birth weight infants (less than 1,200 g, less than 30 weeks at birth) who were receiving 85% or more of their nutrient intake via the parenteral route. There was no apparent relationship between IGF-I, nitrogen intake, energy intake, or nitrogen retention. In 6/9 infants IGF-I decreased with postnatal age. A low IGF-I may reflect the poor nutritional status and growth rate commonly seen in sick preterm infants.