Endocrine profile of children with intrauterine growth retardation.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is a major cause of short stature in childhood. Most but not all children experience catch-up growth by 2 years of age.

METHODS:

We investigated the endocrine profile (thyroid function, prolactin, cortisol, C-peptide and insulin-like growth factor-I [IGF-IJ levels) of 57 children with IUGR, aged 2-10 years, and compared it with 30 controls whose birth weight was appropriate-for-gestational-age.

RESULTS:

The hormonal profile for both groups was similar for thyroid hormones, prolactin, C-peptide and IGF-I. Cortisol levels were significantly lower in the IUGR group compared to controls (p <0,05). When the IUGR group was divided into 'catch-up' growth and 'non-catch-up' subgroups, the latter had significantly lower IGF-I levels (p <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Lower cortisol levels in children born with IUGR may reflect impaired function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis associated with this condition. The significantly lower IGF-I levels of the 'non-catch-up' subgroup may be involved in their failure to grow.

• Authors: Aviva Fattal-Valevski, Hagit Toledano-Alhadef, Avraham Golander, Yael Leitner, Shaul Harel
• Journal: Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM (J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab) Vol. 18 Issue 7 Pg. 671-6 (Jul 2005) ISSN: 0334-018X [Print] Germany
• PMID: 16128244 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• C-Peptide
• Thyroid Hormones
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
• Prolactin
• Hydrocortisone

Topics

• C-Peptide (blood)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Fetal Growth Retardation (blood, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Hydrocortisone (blood)
• Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System (physiology)
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (metabolism)
• Male
• Pituitary-Adrenal System (physiology)
• Prolactin (blood)
• Prospective Studies
• Thyroid Hormones (blood)