Elevated levels of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 in fetal distress

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between fetal distress (abnormal cardiotocograph tracing and/or a low fetal pH) and the levels of fetal IGFBP-1. DESIGN: Prospective comparative study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two women in labour with evidence of fetal distress defined by FIGO criteria and 19 women in uncomplicated labour. The gestation range was 37 to 42 weeks and birthweight range was 2500 to 4240 g. IGFBP-1 was determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The umbilical levels of IGFBP-1 were significantly higher in the study group compared with the control group (median 282.5 micrograms/l versus 128 micrograms/l, P = 0.0046; Mann-Whitney U test). There was a significant inverse correlation between fetal IGFBP-1 and cord pH (r = 0.58, P < or = 0.0001). There was no difference between the maternal serum levels of IGFBP-1 in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Umbilical IGFBP-1 is elevated in association with fetal distress.