Somatotropic axis derangement as an underlying factor in the genesis of retinopathy of prematurity.
Recent research data suggest a significant role of prolonged low serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I concentration in the genesis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Evidence also reveals significant early postnatal nutritional deficits and growth deceleration among premature newborns.


CONCLUSIONS
Since serum IGF-I concentration is positively related to nutritional status, particularly protein nutrition, it would suggest that protein under-nutrition may be a major determinant of low serum IGF-I concentration and in the high risk of ROP.
Yeung
Melinda Y
MY
Department of Pharmacy, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, New South Wales, Australia. melinday@chw.edu.au
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000378:metabolism; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I