Iron profiles of preterm infants at two months of chronological age
Abstract: Preterm infants are
vulnerable to iron deficiency (ID) due to lack of maternal iron stores,
repeated phlebotomy, and the body’s increased demand for iron during growth.
The risk of ID increases at 2 months of age, when hemoglobin (Hb) levels start
to decrease. Adequacy of body iron level is assessed by ferritin, serum iron
(SI), transferrin saturation (Tfsat), total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and
Hb measurements.
Objective To describe iron profiles in preterm infants at 2 months of
chronological age (CA).
Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2-month-old infants,
born at 32-36 weeks of gestational age, and who visited the Growth and
Development Clinics at Cipto Mangunkusumo, Fatmawati, or Budi Kemuliaan
Hospitals. Parental interviews and medical record reviews were done during the
clinic visits. Complete blood count, blood smear, SI, TIBC, Tfsat, and ferritin
level tests were performed.
Results Eighty-three subjects were enrolled in this study. Most subjects
were male (51%) and born to mothers >20 years of age (93%). Subjects’ birth
weights ranged from 1,180 g to 2,550 g. The prevalence of iron deficiency
anemia (IDA) was 6% and that of ID was 10%. The lowest Hb level found in IDA
infants was 6.8 g/dL, while the lowest ferritin level was 8.6 ng/mL. Median
values for the other tests were as follows: SI 48 µg/dL, TIBC 329µg/dL, and
Tfsat 17%. Subjects with IDA were all male (5/5), mostly achieved more than twice
their birth weight (4/5), were non-iron supplemented (3/5), born to mothers
with low educational background (3/5), and of low socioeconomic status (3/5).
Conclusion The prevalence of IDA is 6% and that of ID is 10%. Most
subjects with ID and IDA have low SI, high TIBC, low Tfsat, and low ferritin
level. Most of the all-male IDA subjects weigh more than twice their birth
weight, are non-iron supplemented, and born to mothers with low educational
background and low socioeconomic status.
Keywords: anemia; iron
deficiency; iron profile; preterm infants
Author: Henny Adriani
Puspitasari, Endang Windiastuti, Aryono Hendarto
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160194
