Objective: to compare 2 methods of iron supplementation (fortified formula versus medicinal iron drops) to prevent iron deficiency anemia in preterm infants. Methods: sixty six premature infants weighing between 1000-2000g were included in the study. Forty infants completed the whole follow-up period, divided into 2 groups: Group A: 20 infants fed with iron fortified formula (11mg Fe/l); Group B: 20 infants fed powder cow's milk supplemented with 2mg Fe/kg/day, as drops of ferrous sulphate. At 2 and 12 months 2 ml of blood were collected to measure hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron, TIBC, serum ferritin and free erythrocyte porphyryns. At the 6th month 1ml of blood was drawn for hemoglobin and hematocrit determinations. Statistical analysis used the Student "t" test and (chi2), with p<0.05. Results: there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of body weight and weight gain; hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum iron levels and TIBC saturation indexes were similar in both groups at 2 months but significantly higher in group A at 12 months of age, while free erytrocite porphyryn levels remained stable in Group A and increased significantly in Group B (p.< 0.05). Ferritin levels were normal in both groups at 2 month and declined sharply by 1 year of age, but only 4 (20%) infants of Group A showed levels <FONT FACE=Symbol>£</FONT> 10ng/ml, against 12 (60%) of the Group B (p < 0.02). Conclusions: the iron fortified formula was significantly more efficient than medicinal iron drops to prevent iron deficiency anemia of preterm infants.
preterm infant; iron deficiency; anemia; prevention and control
