The purpose of this study is to determine if iron supplementation in addition to routine iron intake decreases the risk of developing anemia in preterm infants.
Objective was to determine if iron supplementation of 2 mg/kg per day, in addition to routine iron-fortified formula or mother's milk, increased the hematocrit (Hct) at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA). All infants have a decline in hemoglobin(Hgb) after birth because of increasing PaO2 and Hgb saturation after birth. In very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (birth weight ,1500 g), the nadir at 1 to 3 months after birth is lower than in term infants because of (1) greater phlebotomy losses for blood tests, (2) shortened red blood cell survival, and (3)rapid growth. VLBW infants may be at increased risk of developing iron deficiency anemia because of (1) low iron stores at birth, (2) rapid depletion of iron stores owing to phlebotomy losses, and (3) inability to regulate iron absorption by the gastrointestinal tract.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
150
2 mg/kg/day elemental iron as multivitamin with iron solution
multivitamin solution without iron
Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital
Houston, Texas, United States
Hematocrit (Hct)
For infants discharged from the hospital before 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA), the last Hct before discharge was used. For infants transferred before 36 weeks PMA, the Hct at 36 weeks was sought from the receiving hospital and used if available. For infants transferred before 36 weeks with no available Hct at 36 weeks, the last Hct before transfer was used. For those who died before 36 weeks PMA, the Hct at 36 weeks was considered to be missing.
Time frame: 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA)
Transfusions
\# of transfusions infants required after enrollment.
Time frame: enrollment to 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.