Association between iron status and neurodevelopmental outcomes among VLBW infants

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate iron status and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with and without extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR). Methods: This observational study evaluated 38 medically stable premature infants, with birth weights below 1500 g. Iron status was determined by measuring venous levels of Hb, Fe, and serum ferritin. The infants were divided into EUGR and non-EUGR groups. At a corrected age of 18 months, neurodevelopmental outcomes were checked using the Bayley scales, and body weight, body length, and head circumference were measured. Results: Hb levels at corrected ages of 1 and 3 months and iron at a corrected age of I and 9 months were significantly lower in the EUGR group compared with those of the non-EUGR group. There was no significant difference in the MDI score between the groups, but the PDI score at a corrected age of 18 months was significantly lower in the EUGR group. We found a positive correlation between the serum level of Fe at 1 month of age and PDI score at 18 months of age. Head circumference at a corrected age of 18 months did not differ between two groups, although body weight and length were lower in the EUGR group. Conclusions: Developmental outcome in preterm infants at a corrected age of 18 months may be influenced by nutritional factors, including iron status, during their early life. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier B.V.