ABSTRACT
Very preterm infants often need red blood cell transfusions (RBCT) during intensive care and are at risk of iron overload. This study reviewed the records of 65 very preterm neonates who required at least one RBCT to ascertain the iron status using serum ferritin levels at 4-6 weeks age before oral iron was commenced. High serum ferritin level was found in 52.3% (n = 34) neonates. Number of RBCT were significantly and independently associated with iron excess (P < 0.001). Increased ferritin noted following transfusions in neonatal period can have implications for determining the appropriate time for starting iron supplementation in this subgroup of neonates.
ABSTRACT
Strategies for free transfer of sick neonates to hospitals are in place, but reports suggest suboptimal status of the same across the country. Over 7 years, our Sick Neonate Retrieval Service (SNRS) transported 165 neonates, of whom 92.1% survived. Safe, stable transportation mandates the presence of a neonatology-trained doctor and nurse in an equipped ambulance.
