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. 2001 Jan;84(1):F40-3.
doi: 10.1136/fn.84.1.f40.

Study of maternal influences on fetal iron status at term using cord blood transferrin receptors

D G Sweet  1 , G Savage, T R Tubman, T R Lappin, H L Halliday
Affiliations

Study of maternal influences on fetal iron status at term using cord blood transferrin receptors

D G Sweet et al. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2001 Jan.

Abstract

Aims: To determine effects of maternal iron depletion and smoking on iron status of term babies using serum transferrin receptors (STfR) and their ratio to ferritin (TfR-F index) in cord blood.

Methods: Iron, ferritin, STfR, and haemoglobin (Hb) concentration were measured and TfR-F index calculated in 67 cord /maternal blood pairs. Twenty six mothers were iron depleted (ferritin <10 microg/l) and 28 were smokers.

Results: Maternal iron depletion was associated with decreased cord ferritin (113 v 171 microg/l) and Hb (156 v 168 g/l) but no change in STfR or TfR-F index. Smoking was associated with increased cord Hb (168 v 157 g/l) and TfR-F index (4.1 v 3.4), and decreased ferritin (123 v 190 microg/l). Cord TfR-F index and Hb were positively correlated (r = 0.48).

Conclusions: Maternal iron depletion is associated with reduced fetal iron stores but no change in free iron availability. Smoking is associated with increased fetal iron requirements for erythropoiesis.

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