Abstract

Background: Maternal anemia is associated with negative impact on the iron stores of the newborn besides complications like growth retardation or fetal distress.

Aim: To correlate the degree of neonatal anemia with iron indices of the newborn.

Methodology: The study was done at a tertiary care center. Term pregnant women with anemia admitted in labor room were selected. Cord blood sample of the neonate was taken for iron indices immediately after delivery.

Results: Neonatal serum total iron and ferritin levels were decreased but the difference was not statistically significant. The total iron binding capacity was increased with increasing severity of neonatal anemia, this association was statistically significant (p value-0.04).

Conclusion: Serum ferritin levels and total iron binding capacity of newborns of anemic pregnant women should be estimated for early diagnosis and timely interventions taken so as to decrease under five mortality and morbidity.