EXPLORING IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS IN PRETERM INFANTS WITH VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT AT 1 YEAR OF CORRECTED AGE

JPUMHS;2023:13:04,122-126. http://doi.org/10.46536/jpumhs/2023/13.04.482

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence and risk factors associated with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) among preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) at 1 year of corrected age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort of 350 preterm infants with VLBW was included in this study, conducted within the Pediatrics and Gynecology Unit of a tertiary care hospital. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed to determine IDA prevalence and identify potential risk factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of IDA among the studied preterm infants with VLBW at 1 year of corrected age was found to be 22.9%. Lower gestational age and birth weight were identified as significant risk factors associated with increased susceptibility to IDA. Additionally, maternal anemia emerged as a substantial risk factor, underscoring the intergenerational impact on infant iron status. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the considerable prevalence of IDA in preterm infants with VLBW at 1 year of corrected age. The identified risk factors, including gestational age, birth weight, and maternal anemia, emphasize the need for targeted interventions to prevent and manage IDA in this vulnerable population. Early iron supplementation and improvement of maternal iron status during pregnancy hold promise for enhancing the health outcomes of these infants.