Relationship of maternal and infant iron stores as assessed by determination of plasma ferritin
Rios, E.; Lipschitz, D.A.; Cook, J.D.; Smith, N.J.
Pediatrics 55(5): 694-699
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 1128991 Document Number: 92911
Twenty-six women who delivered healthy infants at term were allotted to two groups as their plasma ferritin values before delivery were (6) below or (20) above 9 ng/ml. Estimated in addition were Hb, haematocrit, serum Fe, total Fe-binding capacity, transferrin saturation in mothers and newborn infants and the infants at 1.5 month of age. There was a significant correlation between plasma ferritin and the other indices of Fe status. Means for plasma ferritin in the two groups in ng/ml before delivery were 6.4, 18.0 in the mothers, 100.5 and 117 in the newborn infants. Corresponding mean Hb values, g/100 ml were 11.6, 13.0; 15.5 and 16.1. The plasma ferritin of the infants at birth and 1.5 month was not related to that of the mothers. During the first 6 months of life plasma ferritin fell, sometimes to low values, unless the infants had an Fe supplement.