Association of increased maternal ferritin levels with gestational diabetes and intra-uterine growth retardation.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the present study were to determine whether or not increased serum ferritin in women with premature labour is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) and, if so, whether or not such increased levels reflect excess maternal iron stores, and have an effect on neonatal iron status and outcome.


METHODS
This prospective, single-hospital, observational study involved 63 mothers and their 90 preterm neonates. Full blood counts as well as serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and erythropoietin concentrations were compared across the three study groups based on maternal ferritin levels at the time of delivery. Perinatal history, neonatal morbidity and early outcomes were also assessed.


RESULTS
High maternal ferritin levels were significantly associated with higher rates of GDM and IUGR. However, there was no correlation between maternal ferritin and sTfR levels or between maternal and neonatal iron status.


CONCLUSIONS
Elevated maternal ferritin is not a reflection of excess iron stores, but is related to an increased risk of GDM or IUGR. Also, maternal ferritin levels are not associated with either neonatal iron status or neonatal outcomes.
Soubasi
V
V
1st Department of Neonatology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. soubasi@med.auth.gr
Petridou
S
S
Sarafidis
K
K
Tsantali
Ch
Ch
Diamanti
E
E
Buonocore
G
G
Drossou-Agakidou
V
V
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood*; D005317:Fetal Growth Retardation / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000097:blood; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron