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

BACKGROUND

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.

AIM

To evaluate the influence of immediate breast milk feeding on serum IGF-1 in preterm newborns.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

Immediate breast milk feeding was accompanied by elevated IGF-1 in the serum of preterm infants.