Recent research data suggest a significant role of prolonged low serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I concentration in the genesis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Evidence also reveals significant early postnatal nutritional deficits and growth deceleration among premature newborns.
Conclusion: Since serum IGF-I concentration is positively related to nutritional status, particularly protein nutrition, it would suggest that protein under-nutrition may be a major determinant of low serum IGF-I concentration and in the high risk of ROP.