Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes
08:45

Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes

Published on: May 10, 2022

1.8K

Gestational age-specific reference ranges of hepcidin in cord blood

Laila Lorenz1, Johanna Herbst, Corinna Engel

  • 1Department of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.

Neonatology
|July 5, 2014
PubMed

Insights

This study establishes gestational age-specific reference ranges for hepcidin in cord blood, crucial for assessing iron status in preterm infants. Key factors influencing hepcidin levels include iron stores, gestational age, and delivery mode.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Iron deficiency (ID) is a significant contributor to anemia in premature infants.
  • Accurate assessment of iron nutrition status is essential for optimal infant health.
  • Hepcidin is a key regulator of iron homeostasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine gestational age (GA)-specific reference ranges for hepcidin concentrations in cord blood (Hep(CB)) for preterm and term infants.
  • To identify pre- and perinatal factors that may influence Hep(CB) levels.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective observational study involving 221 infants with varying gestational ages (24-42 weeks).
  • Cord blood hepcidin (Hep(CB)), complete blood counts, ferritin, and inflammation markers were analyzed.
  • Clinical data and delivery information were recorded.

Main Results:

  • Hep(CB) levels varied significantly by gestational age, being lowest in very preterm infants (GA <30 weeks) and highest in term infants (GA ≥37 weeks).
  • Infants with iron deficiency, those born via elective cesarean section, and those with low birth weight standard deviation scores exhibited lower Hep(CB) levels.
  • Ferritin, gestational age, and mode of delivery were identified as significant factors associated with Hep(CB) through logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first gestational age-specific reference ranges for cord blood hepcidin in preterm infants.
  • While iron stores, gestational age, and delivery mode are clearly associated with Hep(CB), the links with inflammation and intrauterine growth retardation require further investigation.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy07:10

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy

Published on: June 18, 2020

22.9K
Measurement of Tissue Non-Heme Iron Content using a Bathophenanthroline-Based Colorimetric Assay05:08

Measurement of Tissue Non-Heme Iron Content using a Bathophenanthroline-Based Colorimetric Assay

Published on: January 31, 2022

4.3K

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses...
405
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess...
271
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution01:17

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight,...
548
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
401
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug...
380