Latent Iron Deficiency in Neonates With and Without Risk Factors for Poor In-Utero Iron Status

To determine the proportion of latent iron deficiency (LID) in neonates delivered at more than 34 weeks gestation with and without risk factors for in-utero iron deficiency.

This observational study enrolled neonates delivered at more than 34 weeks gestation. Maternal antenatal history, risk factors for placental insufficiency, hemoglobin, and serum ferritin levels were collected upon admission for confinement. Neonates were categorized based on the presence of risk factors, and further categorized based on ferritin concentrations (cord blood or venous blood < 72 hours) into those with ferritin > 75 ng/mL (normal iron status) and those with ferritin between 11–75 ng/mL (LID).

Among 559 neonates, 295 had underlying risk factors for poor in-utero iron status. Overall, 45 (9.8%) neonates had LID with an incidence of 10.5% in those with risk factors and 5.3% in those without risk factors [Odds Ratio (95% CI) 2.09 (1.08, 4.03); P value = 0.02]. Maternal anemia and gestational hypertension were found to be significant independent risk factors for LID.

This study highlights the higher LID in at-risk neonates, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to prevent iron deficiency.