The relationship between serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels and retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum insulin like growth factor I (IGF-I) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).Materials and Method: We prospectively studied the newborn infants born at a postmenstrual age of <34 weeks between November 2006 and May 2007. ROP was classified according to the international classification of ROP. Total 33 infants were enrolled in the study. Serum IGF-I levels were studied after birth and weekly until discharge from the hospital.Results: Among the 33 infants, 36% had retinopathy of prematurity. Lower birth weight or younger gestational age were associated with the higher ROP development rate. The difference in the mean serum IGF-1 levels in the ROP group was found to be statistical significant when compared with the non-ROP group (p=0.03). There was no statistically significant relationship between the serum IGF-I levels which measured weekly and the development of ROP.Conclusion: In conclusion, low mean IGF-I levels in preterm infants are associated with the development of ROP.