INSULIN-LIKE-GROWTH-FACTOR BINDING-PROTEIN-1 LEVEL IN AMNIOTIC-FLUID - CORRELATION WITH BIRTH-WEIGHT

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 is the predominant insuli n-like growth factor binding protein in amniotic fluid. It is produced by the decidua and by fetal tissues, and it is thought to play an imp ortant role in fetal growth. We have measured this protein in 58 sampl es of amniotic fluid, from 13 to 19 gestational weeks, and found a hig hly significant negative correlation with fetal weight at birth. We co nclude that the level of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 in amniotic fluid at midpregnancy is a good marker of fetal growth fai lure.