A possible relationship between cord blood transferrin and birth length in infants

Cord blood levels of transferrin (Tf) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) were measured in 33 normal and 12 preterm infants. Tf was measured by the single radial immunodiffusion technique, while IGF-1 was measured by specific RIA. Tf levels in normal term infants (195 +/- 27 mg/dl) were significantly below normal adult levels (261 +/- 12 mg/dl). Tf levels in preterm infants (159 +/- 30 mg/dl) were lower than those in normal term infants. Tf levels showed a positive correlation with birth length, weight, gestational age and albumin levels in all infants. There was no correlation between Tf and IGF-1 levels in term and preterm infants.