Prevalence of Anemia and Iron Deficiency Anemia in late-preterm infants at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: In many countries, late-preterm infants do not receive iron supplementation on a routine basis. Whilst, the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in this population group is not well established.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia and IDA in late-preterm infants, as well as factors associated with anemia.

Methods: Late-preterm infants were defined as those born between gestational age of 34+0 and 36+6 weeks. In this crosssectional study, we analyzed the prevalence of anemia and IDA in late-preterm infants, aged 6-9 months, using complete blood count. Anemia was diagnosed in subjects whose hemoglobin (Hb) < 11 g/dL and/or mean corpuscular volume (MCV) < 70 floors, and treated with ferrous fumarate 4-6 mg of elemental iron/kg per day. IDA was defined as Hb rise ≥1 g/dL per month after iron supplementation.

Results: Sixty-two late-preterm infants (mean age 7.8 ± 1.2) months) were enrolled during November 2018-2019. Most of the exclusively breastfed subjects (70.6%) never received iron supplementation. Mean Hb in the anemic and the non-anemic groups was 9.7 ±1.1) g/dL and 11.8±0.5 g/dL, respectively. Anemia and iron deficiency anemia were consequently present in 48.4% and 30.6% of the subjects. Exclusively breastfeeding was observed in 27.4% (n = 17/62) and related to anemia, aOR 3.97 (95%CI 1.14 – 13.86).

Conclusion: Anemia and IDA are common problems in late-preterm infants. Screening for anemia in all late-preterm infants at the age of 6-9 months should be ratified for early detection and prompt treatment of IDA.