Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Iron Deficiency in Twin and Singleton Newborns

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Medicine
• Nutritional Science
• Neonatal Health

Background:

• Iron deficiency (ID) in utero and infancy can lead to irreversible neurocognitive damage.
• Neonatal iron status is not routinely assessed, leaving the prevalence of neonatal ID in the U.S. unknown.
• Infants from multiple gestations may face increased risk of nutrient deficiency at birth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the prevalence of neonatal iron deficiency in cord blood serum from twin and singleton pregnancies.
• To investigate the association between neonatal iron status and inflammation biomarkers.
• To identify factors influencing neonatal iron levels.

Main Methods:

• Cord blood serum samples were collected from twin (n=54) and singleton (n=24) pregnancies.
• Iron status biomarkers (serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, hepcidin) and inflammation markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6) were measured.
• Immunoassays were utilized for biomarker quantification.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of neonatal iron deficiency (SF < 76 ng/mL) was 21% in twins and 20% in singletons.
• Gestational age at birth, maternal race, and infant sex were significant predictors of serum ferritin levels.
• Maternal anemia (hemoglobin < 11 g/dL) was prevalent in 40% of mothers but did not correlate with neonatal iron biomarkers.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal iron deficiency is a significant concern in both twin and singleton births.
• Further research is required to pinpoint risk factors and regulatory mechanisms for fetal iron acquisition.
• Identifying high-risk pregnancies and neonates is essential for timely screening and intervention strategies.