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Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 in congenital heart disease
J S Barton1, P C Hindmarsh, M A Preece
1Growth Research Centre, Institute of Child Health, London.
Insights
Infants with congenital heart disease show poor growth due to undernutrition, evidenced by lower insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) levels. Monitoring these factors can track nutritional treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with impaired growth in infants.
- Nutritional status significantly impacts growth and development, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Growth factors like insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) play a crucial role in childhood development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum levels of IGF-1 and IGF-1 binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) in infants with CHD.
- To assess the relationship between growth, nutritional status, and these growth factors in infants with CHD.
- To determine if IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 can serve as indicators for nutritional deficiencies in infants with CHD.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 62 infants with CHD and healthy controls.
- Measurement of serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 concentrations.
- Assessment of various growth parameters and nutritional variables, including energy intake.
Main Results:
- Infants with CHD exhibited significantly reduced serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels compared to controls.
- Infants with CHD were smaller, underweight, and had a reduced energy intake.
- The findings suggest a correlation between undernutrition and decreased IGF-1/IGFBP-3 in infants with CHD.
Conclusions:
- Undernutrition likely contributes to the poor growth observed in infants with congenital heart disease.
- Reduced IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in infants with CHD mirror those seen in nutritional deficiency.
- Serial monitoring of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 may be valuable for assessing nutritional interventions in infants with CHD.
Abstract:
Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and a range of growth and nutritional variables were investigated in 62 infants with congenital heart disease and healthy controls. Infants with congenital heart disease were small, underweight, and had a reduced energy intake. Serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 concentrations were significantly reduced. Decreased IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels are observed in nutritional deficiency; similar findings in congenital heart disease suggest that undernutrition contributes to the poor growth of these infants. Serial measurements of serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 may be helpful in monitoring the effect of nutritional treatment in congenital heart disease.