title: Prevention of iron deficiency in preterm neonates during infancy.
abstract: The preterm infant inevitably develops iron deficiency unless supplementary iron is given. Oral iron supplementation is preferred in ideal social circumstances but, where compliance with such therapy is uncertain, intramuscular iron dextran may be a more effective treatment. A study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of two methods of preventing iron deficiency of prematurity. One group of healthy premature infants was given oral iron 2 mg/kg/d until the age of 6 months. The second similar group was given 100 mg as intramuscular iron dextran (Imferon; Fisons) between the ages of 6 and 8 weeks. Both kinds of supplementary iron appeared to have benefited the majority of infants in this trial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town.
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Heese
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Watermeyer
authors.forename: W S
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Dempster
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jakubiec
mesh_terms: D000747:Anemia, Hypochromic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004909:Erythrocyte Indices; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood; D007505:Iron-Dextran Complex / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011897:Random Allocation
chemical_list: D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D006454:Hemoglobins; D007505:Iron-Dextran Complex