IGF1 and necrotizing enterocolitis: In this study, preterm pigs treated with rhIGF-1 s.c. for 8 days achieved circulating IGF-1 levels similar to those in term suckling pigs (42), reduced incidence of severe complications (reflected by the combined incidence of all-cause mortality day 2-8 and severe NEC on day 9), and increased intestinal weight and protein anabolic response.