Abstract 165

Background: Turnover of collagen, the major connective tissue protein, is reflected by markers of synthesis and degradation of collagen type I (PINP, ICTP) and type III (PIIINP). We examined the correlation between gest. age and intrauterine growth and markers of collagen turnover in preterm infants. Subjects: 96 infants born <32 gest. wks (range 24-32 wks), BW 385-2240g, relative BW -5.0 - +2.0 SD. Measurements: Cord plasma PINP, ICTP and PIIINP. Results: Negative correlations existed between PINP and ICTP and GA (r=-0.44, p=0.0001, and r=-0.33, p=0.0001), and positive correlations between PINP and ICTP and relative BW (r=0.43, p=0.0001, and r=0.47, p=0.0001). PIIINP correlated negatively with GA (r=-0.44, p=0.0001), but not with relative BW. Conclusions: In preterm infants concentrations of markers of turnover of type I and III collagen decreased with increasing gestational age. Significant correlations exist between intrauterine growth and turnover of type I, but not with type III collagen.