Method for monitoring fetus/preterm infant development, and for promoting the normal development of preterm infants

Abstract

A method for monitoring fetal and/or preterm infant development and a method to promote normal growth & development of preterm infants, especially in regards to each preterm infant's collective set of immature organs. Monitoring development is accomplished by using VEGF 121 as a biomarker in bodily fluid levels, to determine whether appropriate angiogenic activity is occurring to allow preterm infant or fetal development to proceed normally. The promotion of preterm infant normal development is accomplished by administering to a preterm infant human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and/or Luteinizing hormone (LH) and/or Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) in physiological amounts at appropriate intervals to raise and maintain the activation level of the patient's combined hCG/LH receptor activity, or VEGF 121 level, to a level that is normally present in fetuses of the equivalent developmental (gestational) age. By promoting normal development, we prevent onset or progression of disorders associated with premature organs rather than treat disorders associated with the premature organs after they occur.

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