Insulin-like growth factor 1 has multisystem effects on foetal and preterm infant development.

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.

SUBMITTER: Hellstrom A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5069563 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature