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Iron Profile in Term Small for Gestational Age Infants at 10 Weeks of Age and Correlation With Maternal Iron Profile
Kritika Sharma1, Prerna Batra2, Pooja Dewan1
1Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi.
Insights
Term small for gestational age (SGA) infants frequently develop iron deficiency anemia within 10 weeks of birth. Maternal iron status did not significantly correlate with infant iron levels or anemia development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Pediatric Hematology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Term small for gestational age (SGA) neonates are susceptible to iron deficiency anemia.
- The relationship between maternal and infant iron stores in SGA infants is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of iron deficiency anemia in term SGA neonates by 10 weeks of age.
- To investigate correlations between infant and maternal iron profiles and hepcidin levels.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study included 120 term SGA infants and their mothers.
- Hemogram, iron profile, and serum hepcidin were measured in mothers and infants (cord blood and at 10 weeks).
- Infants diagnosed with anemia at 6 weeks received iron supplementation and were excluded.
Main Results:
- 29.2% of term SGA infants developed anemia by 6 weeks.
- Iron deficiency anemia occurred in 14.2% at 6 weeks and 23.3% at 10 weeks.
- No significant correlation was observed between maternal and infant iron profiles or hepcidin levels.
Conclusions:
- A substantial proportion of term SGA infants develop anemia in early infancy.
- Anemia development in these infants appears independent of maternal iron status.
Background:
Term small for gestational age (SGA) babies are at risk for developing iron deficiency anemia. The association between maternal and infant iron stores is not clear.
Objective:
To assess proportion of term SGA neonates developing iron deficiency anemia by 10 weeks of age, and measure correlation between iron profile and hepcidin of babies at birth and at 10 weeks of age with maternal iron profile.
Design:
Prospective cohort study conducted from November, 2018 to April, 2020.
Participants:
120 term SGA babies and their mothers.
Intervention:
Hemogram, iron profile and serum hepcidin (every fourth case) estimated in mother, cord blood and baby at 10 weeks. Babies developing anemia at 6 weeks detected by hemogram and ferritin were started on iron supplementation and excluded from the study.
Outcome:
Proportion of babies developing iron deficiency anemia at 10 weeks of age.
Results:
35 (29.2%) of 120 term SGA babies developed anemia (hemoglobin <9 g/dL) at 6 weeks. Proportion of infants who developed iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin <9 g/dL and serum ferritin <40 µ/dL) at 6 and 10 weeks of age was 14.2% and 23.3%, respectively. No significant correlation was found bet-ween hemoglobin, iron and hepcidin of the baby in cord blood and at 10 weeks of age with that of mothers. Serum hepcidin in babies at birth (137.5 ng/mL) were higher than maternal values (128 ng/mL).
Conclusion:
A significant proportion of term SGA infants deve-loped anemia during early infancy, irrespective of maternal iron status.
