Cord transferrin and ferritin values in newborn infants

ABSTRACT

Transferrin, ferritin concentrations were determined in seventy four newborn infants. The cord transferrin levels were positively correlated with gestational age and birth weight. Preterm infants had significantly lower concentrations of ferritin than term infants and the Low birth weight had even lower levels. Cord transferrin levels were inversely correlated with ferritin levels in infants of preeclamptic mothers and infants of diabetic mothers. So cord transferrin when associated with decreased cord ferritin levels in newborn infants with possible uteroplacental insufficiency or chronic hypoxia, this may point to impaired iron stores in these infants