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Perinatal Factors Affecting Serum Hepcidin Levels in Low-Birth-Weight Infants

Kenji Ichinomiya1, Kenichi Maruyama, Takahiro Inoue

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Gunma Children's Medical Center, Gunma, Japan.

Neonatology
|June 12, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Gestational age, interleukin-6, erythropoietin, and soluble transferrin receptor influence hepcidin levels in low-birth-weight infants. These factors highlight the impact of prematurity, inflammation, and hypoxia on iron regulation in vulnerable newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Iron Metabolism
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Hepcidin is a key hormone regulating iron balance and preventing iron overload.
  • Low-birth-weight (LBW) infants are susceptible to iron imbalances.
  • Limited research exists on hepcidin regulation in LBW infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify perinatal factors associated with serum hepcidin levels in LBW infants.
  • To understand the regulation of iron metabolism in premature infants.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective enrollment of 92 LBW infants (median GA 32.6 weeks, birth weight 1,587 g).
  • Measurement of serum hepcidin-25 (Hep25) from umbilical cord blood via LC-MS/MS.
  • Evaluation of Hep25 levels in relation to prematurity and other regulatory factors.

Main Results:

  • Serum Hep25 levels correlated with birth weight, IL-6, erythropoietin, transferrin saturation, soluble transferrin receptor, and ferritin.
  • Hep25 levels were higher in infants with chorioamnionitis and born vaginally.
  • Hep25 levels were lower in infants born to mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension.
  • Multiple regression confirmed associations between Hep25 and GA, IL-6, erythropoietin, and soluble transferrin receptor.

Conclusions:

  • Gestational age, IL-6, erythropoietin, and soluble transferrin receptor are significant perinatal factors affecting Hep25 levels in LBW infants.
  • Prematurity, inflammation, hypoxia, and erythropoietic activity are crucial in modulating hepcidin levels during the perinatal period.
  • Findings provide insights into iron regulation challenges in LBW infants.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cord bloodErythropoiesisHypoxiaInflammationIronNeonatePrematurity

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