Endocrine Abstracts

The intrauterine foetal environment is crucial for foetal survival and long term health. The insulin-like growth factors (IGF)-I and -II have a predominant role in fetal growth and development. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is an anabolic hormone with several biological activities, such as proliferation, mitochondrial protection, cell survival, tissue growth and development.

Aims & Objectives: To find the association of Maternal insulin Growth Factors 1 & 2, in normal and pregnancy with Intrauterine Growth Restriction of foetus.

Methodology: This was a prospective case control study conducted in collaboration with Post graduate institute, (SGPGIMS, Lucknow, India) over a period of two years.

Inclusion criteria for control group included normal pregnant women with singleton pregnancy and growth parameters appropriate for gestational age. In the study group all cases diagnosed to have intrauterine growth restriction by under stated criteria:

• Gestational age confirmed by USG in first trimester

• IUGR suspected by a lag of >3 weeks in fetal biometry on serial USG after 20w

• Birth weight below 10th centile for the gestational age

• IUGR was confirmed after birth by weight in accordance with gestational age

A total of 120 mothers were recruited, 100 maternal serum samples were collected between gestational age of 32–38 weeks. 68 maternal samples were analysed for IGF-I, by chemi-lumnescent immunometric assay. 60 maternal serum samples were analysed for IGF 2 by Radio-immno assay.

Results: In maternal serum, the mean serum IGF-I levels were 251 ng/ml in control group vs 214.48 ng/ml (F-test=0.005) in study group, and were positively correlated with the birth weight. On other hand, IGF2 was negatively correlated 521.163 ng/ml in control group vs 618.473 ng/ml in study group (F-test=0.029).

Conclusion: Maternal blood IGF-I, plays an important role in the regulation of fetal and neonatal growth. It is likely that IGF2 in maternal blood may influence the growth potential of foetus.