Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz

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Abstract: Intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) describes newborn that did not reach their genetically determined growth potential. It occurs in 3-7% of deliveries. It is associated with significantly increased perinatal morbidity and mortality as well as cardiovascular disease and glucose intolerance in adult life. IUGR is accounted for by reduced utero-placental blood flow and/or maternal hypoglycaemia. Inadequate provision of the fetus with oxygen and nutrients is the key factor for the restricted fetal growth. Risk factors such as smoking and drug abuse, maternal malnutrition and well controlled diabetes (with insulin therapy) enhance the risk of IUGR. Nevertheless, in most cases the aetiology of IUGR remains unknown.

The fetal insulin/IGF system regulates placental processes and functions that are disturbed in IUGR and macrosomia.

This study aims to address two key aspects:
1. The impact of fetal insulin/IGF levels on placental cells,
2. Metabolic (e.g., glucose) and hormonal (e.g., insulin/IGFs) changes that may account for altered IGF1 and IGF2 levels in the fetal circulation

Beteiligte MUG-Organisationseinheiten: Universitätsklinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe

Gefördert durch: Österreichische Nationalbank (Jubiläumsfonds), Otto Wagner Platz 3, A-1090 Wien, Österreich