The role of maternal factors, postnatal nutrition, weight gain, and gender in regulation of serum IGF-I among preterm infants

IGF-I is important for somatic growth and development of the human fetus and neonate. IGF-I also plays an important role in normal vascularization of human retina, as it has been suggested that insufficient IGF-I may be a factor in the development of retinopathy of prematurity. The principal regulator of the bioavailability of IGF-I in the circulation is IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). The aim of this study was to study factors associated with postnatal serum concentrations of IGF-I and of IGFBP-3 in preterm infants from birth to an age corresponding to 40 wk postmenstruation. We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study in which we measured serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations in 76 preterm infants from birth (postmenstrual ages 23-32 wk) until discharge from hospital around 40 wk. Information regarding nutrition, weight gain, maternal factors, and treatment with corticosteroids were collected weekly. Variables found to be associated with postnatal change over time of serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 were postmenstrual age (p<0.001), weight gain (standard deviation score) (p<0.001), and enteral intake of protein (p<0.001). Male gender was associated with lower IGF-I levels (p<0.001). The relationship between protein intake and IGF-I (and also between protein intake and IGFBP-3) was positive, as was the relationship between weight gain and IGF-I (and between weight gain and IGFBP-3). These results indicate that the degree of prematurity, low enteral protein intake, male gender, and slow weight gain are associated with a slower postnatal increase of IGF-I in preterm infants.