Methods for decreasing risk of complications of prematurity using IGF-I and its analogs

US7776820B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Children's Medical Center Corporation · US

Inventors

• Lois Smith · Newton, US
• Ann Hellstrom · Hagfors, SE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 14, 2006
• Grant date: Aug 17, 2010
• Expiry date: Aug 14, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2800/368
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for determining the risk of developing a complication of preterm birth in a patient born before 40 weeks of gestation or weighing 10% less than the average for the patient's gestational age. The method involves measuring serum IGF-I and/or IGF-I binding protein levels after birth of the patient to obtain an IGF-I or IGF-I binding protein level; and correlating said IGF-I or IGF-I binding protein level with an in utero baseline level of IGF-I or IGF-I binding protein based on gestational age matched mean levels in utero, wherein an IGF-I or IGF-I binding protein level below the mean gestational age in utero level indicates the patient is at an increased risk of developing a complication of preterm birth. The complications of preterm birth include retinopathy of prematurity, developmental delay, mental retardation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and intraventricular hemorrhage. Methods for treating/preventing and reducing the risk of complications of preterm birth using IGF-I and ins analogs are also provided.