Neuroendocrinol Lett
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Neuroendocrinol Lett · Apr 2008
Comparative StudyEffect of intrauterine infection and perinatal risk factors on serum concentrations of insulin like growth factor (IGF-I) in full-term and preterm newborns.
IGF-I is believed to be a key factor in fetal growth dynamics It is widely known, that serious early-onset infection in the newborn is a risk factor for further developmental disturbances in a child. However, effect of congenital infection as well as an influence of infectious and non-infectious perinatal risk factors on circulating IGF-I concentrations in newborns has not been examined, yet. ⋯ We conclude that intrauterine infection increases serum IGF-I concentration in full-term infants, but not in preterm infants, that may be a result of immaturity. We suggest serum IGF-I concentration may be considered an additional element of developmental and nutritional state assessment in infected newborn.