Growth Patterns in Small for Gestational Age Babies and Correlation with Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Levels

Objective

Correlation of catch-up growth and Insulin-like Growth Factor -1 levels (IGF-I) in SGA babies.

Methods

50 Full-term Small for Gestational Age children aged 12–18 months were analyzed for Catch-up growth (gain in weight and/or length, Standard Deviation Score/SDS >0.67). IGF-1 was measured after post-glucose load using ELISA method and correlated with catch-up growth.

Results

Mean (SD) birthweight and length were 2.1 (0.3) Kg and 44.4 (3.1) cm, respectively. At enrollment, mean (SD) age, weight and length were 15.0 (2.1) months, 7.7 (1.3) Kg, and 72.9 (5.6) cm, respectively. Catch-up growth was noted in 60% children. IGF-1 levels were significantly higher in children showing catch-up growth (56.6 (63.2) ng/mL) compared to those not having catch up growth (8.7 (8.3) ng/mL). IGF-1 was positively correlated with both weight and length catch-up.

Conclusion

Majority of Small for Gestational Age showed catch-up growth by 18 months, which had good correlation with IGF-1 levels.