Effect of maternal anemia on the status of iron stores in infants: A cohort study

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women may affect the iron reserves of their infants and lead to anemia later. The objective of the study was to compare hemoglobin and iron store status of infants born to anemic and non-anemic mothers and to determine any correlation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics of a Teaching hospital after obtaining ethical approval and written informed consent from all participants. Total 180 mother-infant pairs were enrolled in the study were divided into two groups; Group I: 90 term infants born to anemic mothers (Hb <11 g/dl), Group II: 90 term infants born to non-anemic mothers (Hb >11 g/dl). Hemoglobin and ferritin levels were assessed in cord blood at birth and at 14 weeks after birth in the infants of both groups. Data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0; Chi-square test and t-test were applied to test for statistical significance. RESULTS: The final sample size was 85 for Group I and 78 for Group II. For Group I, mean hemoglobin and ferritin levels in the cord blood of infants at birth were 16.33 ± 1.19 and 135.40 ± 25.94, respectively. For Group II, Mean hemoglobin and ferritin levels in the cord blood of infants at birth were 17.62 ± 1.35 and 160.45 ± 28.50, respectively; differences were statistically significant. At 14 weeks, the mean Hb and ferritin was 11.24 ± 1.03 and 55.92 ± 10.44 in Group I and 13.18 ± 0.82 and 63.56 ± 10.15 in Group II; the differences were statistically significant. A significant correlation between maternal and infant hemoglobin and ferritin levels was observed at birth and 14 weeks after birth. CONCLUSION: Maternal iron deficiency may have an effect on the iron status of their infants. Thus, timely appropriate interventions are necessary.