Relationship between insulin-like growth factors (IGF-I and IGF-II), IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP-3, IGFBP-2), leptin and anthropometric parameters (height, body mass index) during antileukaemic treatment in children.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to estimate the anthropometric parameters and their relationship to serum levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-2 and leptin before and during intensive antineoplastic treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children.

Material and methods: In 46 children in median age 6.6 years (range from 1.6 to 16) we evaluated at the time of diagnosis, after protocol I and after intensive treatment, height, body mass index (BMI) and IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-2 and leptin.

Results: Height SDS lowered in successive points of analysis whereas BMI SDS rose after protocol II. IGF-I SDS was low and similar at each point, IGF-II SDS and IGFBP-3 SDS values augmented progressively and IGFBP-2 SDS was significantly elevated before treatment and lowered (but not normalized) during the therapy. Leptin SDS was elevated, especially after protocol I.

Conclusion: Leukaemia and its treatment affect directly growth factors, its binding proteins and leptin production leading to growth retardation and overweight.