Background: The aim of the study was to analyze a serum cord blood concentration of IGF-1 in term babies [A] and preterm babies ( up to 33rd week of gestation [B] – and born between 34th and 37th week of gestation [C] – 27 neonates), also serum level of IGF-1 in mothers had been studied.Material/Methods: The study consisted of 3 groups – term (A) (90 neonates) and preterm babies: (B) – 21 neonates and (C) – 27 neonates).Results: Significantly higher IGF-1 concentration level had been described in neonates born at term (137.96±11.53 ng/ml), comparing to preterm babies (40.0±4.9 ng/ml) from group (B) and higher but statistically insignificant (104.4±14.8 ng/ml) in prematures from group (C). Positive correlations between serum IGF-1 concentration in cord blood and placental size as well as birth weight of the newborn was found.Conclusions: IGF-1 concentration can illustrate uterine – placental flow and it’s significant differences in umbilical blood are noted only in initial weeks of the last trimester.

Keywords: IGF-1 concentration, serum assays, newborn, prematurity