THE ROLE OF HEMATOPOIETIC GROWTH-FACTORS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF THE EARLY ANEMIA OF PREMATURE-INFANTS

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