Effect of Early Breast Milk Nutrition on Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 in Preterm Infants

• Published in: Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences 2019-01, Vol.7 (1), p.77-81
• Main Authors: Alzaree, Fatma A, AbuShady, Mones M, Atti, Mohamed Abdel, Fathy, Gihan A, Galal, Essam M, Ali, Alaa, Elias, Tahany R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clinical Science
• ISSN: 1857-9655; 1857-9655
• DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.035

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is one of the essential intrauterine hormonal mediators of growth, and its serum values are often low after preterm delivery. To evaluate the influence of immediate breast milk feeding on serum IGF-1 in preterm newborns. This prospective, observational cohort study included 60 premature infants born < 32 weeks of gestation, divided into group A and B regarding breastfeeding or formula feeding. Growth measurements were taken at birth. The standard deviation of each measurement was calculated. Serum IGF-I was measured one day postnatal and at a time equivalent to 40 weeks of gestation. Significant higher level of mean serum IGF-1 was detected in group A than B at postnatal age equivalent to 40 weeks of gestation. In group A, the higher significant level was detected in mean serum IGF-1 at an age equivalent to 40 weeks of gestation than at birth (25.21 ± 6.69 and 20.13 ± 5.46 p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that high birth weight, increased age of gestation and breastfeeding were correlated to the elevated serum level of IGF-1 at a postnatal age corresponding to 40 weeks gestational age. Immediate breast milk feeding was accompanied by elevated IGF-1 in the serum of preterm infants.