Role of leptin and Insulin like growth Factor-1 In regulation of growth in children with congenital cyanotic heart disease.

BACKGROUND

Congenital cyanotic heart disease (CHD) in children is associated with several complications, amongst these complications is growth retardation which is believed to be multifactorial.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to find out the role of leptin and Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) in the growth of paediatric patients with cyanotic CHD of different anatomical defects.

DESIGN/

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study involving thirty-nine children known to suffer from congenital cyanotic heart disease followed by the cardiology outpatient department, and forty-seven matched controls. Serum leptin and IGF-1 were evaluated in all the enrolled subjects besides anthropometric measurement and assessment of average oxygen saturation.

RESULTS

The patients' group showed statistically significant lower height, weight, Body mass index (BMI), leptin levels, and IGF-1. In addition, the patient group had a significant positive correlation between serum leptin and BMI, as well as a positive correlation of IGF-1 with average oxygen saturation.

CONCLUSION

Children suffering from congenital cyanotic heart disease have a higher probability of developing poor growth. Serum leptin and IGF-1 are lower in affected children with congenital cyanotic cardiac defects suggesting that they may play a role in their poor growth.