The role of haemopoietic growth factors in the pathogenesis of the early anaemia of premature infants.

The anaemia of prematurity has been attributed to an insufficient erythropoietin (Epo) level. However, haemopoiesis is known to be regulated by a cohort of growth factors including interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-6, stem cell factor (SCF), granulocyte monocyte-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and insulin-like growth factors-I and -II (IGF-1, IGF-II). Circulating levels of these growth factors were measured in cord blood at the following gestational ages: 25-28 weeks, 29-32 weeks, 33-36 weeks and > 37 weeks. This study indicates that low concentrations of IGFs as well as a low Epo level in early gestational ages may play a role in anaemia of prematurity.