Significance of serum ferritin level in the prediction of delivery of low birth weight newborns for gestational age

Abstract

Introduction Intrauterine growth restriction is one of the leading causes of prenatal morbidity and mortality. As there is no causal therapy, prediction of intrauterine growth retardation is one of the priorities of prenatal healthcare. Objective The purpose of this study was to analyze blood ferritin level, and erythrocyte, hemoglobin and hematocrit count in pregnant women between 30-32 weeks of gestation and to set apart those with a possible development of intrauterine growth restriction. Methods A prospective study was conducted that included 220 healthy pregnant women between 30-32 gestational weeks. The study was done at the Clinical Center of Vojvodina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Novi Sad and Clinical laboratory from March 1, 2008 to November 30, 2009. Serum ferritin level, hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocyte count were determined from blood samples of all pregnant women. Results After term delivery, 8.1% of pregnant women gave birth to low birth weight babies for gestational age but without anemia. The value of ferritin, hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocyte was significantly higher in women with low birth weight babies. In mothers with low birth weight newborns serum ferritin level was on the average for 6.4 g/l higher than in mothers with normal weight newborns (p<0.005). Statistically, ROC curve analysis showed that the pregnant women with the ferritin level above 13.6 μg/L, and with erythrocyte count >3.76×1012/L, hemoglobin >117 g/L and hematocrit >32.9%, in the period of 30-32 weeks of gestation, also had a significantly higher probability of having a low birth weight newborn for gestational age (p<0.05). Conclusion Based on the level of ferritin and other parameters in the period of 30-32 weeks of gestation, we can predict pregnant women in whom we can expect development of intrauterine growth restriction.