[Comparison between two methods of supplemental iron intake to prevent iron deficiency anemia in the first year of life of preterm infants].
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 1000-2000 g 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 (11 mg Fe/l); Group B: 20 infants fed powder cow's milk supplemented with 2 mg 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 porphyrins. At the 6th month 1 ml 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 erythrocyte porphyrin 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 < or =10 ng/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.
Vianna
Gisele M C
GM
Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, SP. giselemari@zup.com.br
Gonçalves
Arthur L
AL