Does insulin-like growth factor 1 contribute in red blood cell transfusions to the pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity during retinal neovascularization?

Background: Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are associated with the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). During the period of retinal neovascularization a rise of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) may trigger rapid growth of new blood vessels.

Objectives: To study endocrine factors in RBC transfusions that might be of importance for ROP.