POPLINE Document Number: 315167
Author(s):
Vianna GM
Goncalves AL
Source citation:
Jornal de Pediatria, 2002;78(4):315-20.
Abstract:
The objective was to compare two methods of iron supplementation (fortified formula versus medicinal iron drops) to prevent iron deficiency anemia in preterm infants. Sixty six premature infants weighing between 1000-2000g were included in the study. Forty infants completed the whole follow-up period, divided into 2 groups: Group A: 20 infants fed with iron fortified formula (11 mg Fe/l); Group B: 20 infants fed with powder cow's milk supplemented with 2 mg Fe/kg/day, as drops of ferrous sulfate. At two and 12 months 2 ml of blood were collected to measure hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serum ferritin and free erythrocyte porphyrins. At the 6th month, 1 ml of blood was drawn for hemoglobin and hematocrit determinations. Statistical analysis used the Student t test and x/2, with p<0.05. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of body weight and weight gain; hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron levels and TIBC saturation indexes were similar in both groups at two months but significantly higher in group A at 12 months of age, while free erythrocite porphyrins levels remained stable in Group A and increased significantly in Group B (p< 0.05). Ferritin levels were normal in both groups at two months and declined sharply by 1 year of age, but only 4 (20%) infants of Group A showed levels < 10ng/ml, against 12 (60%) of the Group B (p< 0.02). The iron fortified formula was significantly more efficient than medicinal iron drops to prevent iron deficiency anemia of preterm infants. (author's)
Keywords:
Research ReportIndex page
Prospective Studies
Infant, Premature
Iron
Anemia
Milk Substitutes
Bottle Feeding
Food Supplementation
Preventive Health Care
Studies
Research Methodology
Infant
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Metals
Vitamins and Minerals
Physiology
Biology
Diseases
Infant Nutrition
Nutrition
Health
Nutrition Programs
Primary Health Care
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care