Hellström A, Ley D, Hansen-Pupp I, Hallberg B, Löfqvist C, Marter L, Weissenbruch M, Ramenghi L, Beardsall K, Dunger D, Hård AL, Smith L. Insulin-like growth factor 1 has multisystem effects on foetal and preterm infant development.. Acta Paediatr. 2016;105(6):576–86.
Abstract
UNLABELLED: Poor postnatal growth after preterm birth does not match the normal rapid growth in utero and is associated with preterm morbidities. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis is the major hormonal mediator of growth in utero, and levels of IGF-1 are often very low after preterm birth. We reviewed the role of IGF-1 in foetal development and the corresponding preterm perinatal period to highlight the potential clinical importance of IGF-1 deficiency in preterm morbidities. CONCLUSION: There is a rationale for clinical trials to evaluate the potential benefits of IGF-1 replacement in very preterm infants.