THE RESULT OF IRON SUPPLEMENT GUIDELINE FOR LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS (2,000-2,499 GMS.) AT FANG HOSPITAL

Abstract

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Anemia is one of the most important problems in the world, especially iron deficiency anemia which has been the main problem among Thai children. One of the most important risk factors is low birth weight less than 2,500 grams, so this group should receive iron supplements as guideline in order to prevent and decrease iron deficiency anemia.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of iron supplementation among low birth weight between 2,000-2,499 grams at High risk child development clinic, Fang hospital.

METHOD

A retrospective cohort study on iron supplements used medical records from high risk child development clinic Fang hospital from January 1, 2016 to January 31, 2018. Seventy eight uncomplicated low birth weight infants were divided into two groups without or with iron supplements. The first group, 46 infants without iron supplementation, accounted for 58.9%, while the latter group (32 infants) with iron supplementation at 2 months of age accounted for 41.1%.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristic and hematocrits were no statistically significant difference between groups. The hematocrits of infants aged 6 months were higher in infants taking iron supplements (P < 0.05). In the non-supplement group, 23 patients developed anemia (20 people were iron deficiency anemia and 3 were Thalassemia), but no anemia was found in the supplemented group. 

CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSIONS

Iron supplements guideline among low birth weight infants (2500 gms) can decrease anemia development and also prevent iron deficiency anemia.