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Rapid increase in the body mass index of very preterm infants is a risk factor for iron deficiency during infancy

Hyun Ho Kim1,2,3, Eun Jee Lee4, Jin Kyu Kim5,6,7

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Jeonbuk National University School of Medicine, Jeonju, South Korea.

Scientific Reports
|September 19, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Rapid growth and being small for gestational age are key risk factors for iron deficiency in very preterm infants. Early identification and intervention are crucial for preventing long-term developmental issues.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Infant Health

Background:

  • Iron deficiency (ID) in very preterm infants can negatively impact neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • Understanding risk factors for ID in this vulnerable population is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between rapid body mass index (BMI) increase and iron deficiency at 8 months corrected age in very preterm infants.
  • To identify risk factors for iron deficiency in very preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study included 93 very preterm infants born between 28-32 weeks gestational age.
  • Rapid BMI increase (RBI) was defined as a z-score difference >1 standard deviation from birth to 8 months corrected age.
  • Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for ID.

Main Results:

  • Iron deficiency was diagnosed in 24.7% of infants at 8 months corrected age.
  • ID was significantly more prevalent in infants with rapid BMI increase (50%) compared to those without (18.7%).
  • Infants small for gestational age (SGA) (OR 6.06) and rapid BMI increase (OR 4.26) were independent risk factors for ID.

Conclusions:

  • Both SGA and rapid BMI increase in early life are significant risk factors for iron deficiency at 8 months corrected age in very preterm infants.
  • These findings highlight the need for targeted monitoring and potential interventions for iron deficiency in at-risk preterm infants.

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