Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate iron deficiency in preterm infants and
determine impact of blood transfusions on serum iron (SI) and ferritin (FTN).
Study Design A prospective evaluation of baseline and weekly hemoglobin (Hgb), hematocrit (Hct),
SI, FTN levels in premature infants with birth weights (BWs) < 2,500 g or gestational
age (GA) < 34 weeks was performed to determine the impact of GA, BW, and blood transfusion
on iron status. Comparisons of the baseline and 1 month values of these measures were
performed as well as pre- and posttransfusion.
Results In 125 preterm infants, the mean Hgb, Hct, and SI levels at birth were lower for
infants < 28 weeks GA. Post hoc analysis revealed statistically significant lower
iron values in infants ≤ 28 weeks GA compared with infants at 28 to 34 weeks GA (p = 0.013) and infants ≥ 34 weeks GA (p = 0.007). FTN and SI values at 1 month were not significantly impacted by blood transfusions.
Conclusion Infants < 28 weeks have lower SI levels at birth. The SI and FTN at 1 month of age
were not significantly influenced by blood transfusions.
Keywords
premature infant - serum iron level - serum ferritin level - red blood cell transfusion