Trends in reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent values in critically ill neonates, stratified by gestational age

J Perinatol. 2019 Sep;39(9):1268-1274. doi: 10.1038/s41372-019-0434-6. Epub 2019 Jul 26.

Abstract

Objective: The reticulocyte index reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (Ret-He) was evaluated as a marker of iron status.

Study design: This is a retrospective cohort study of all infants admitted to the University of Washington Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, who received Ret-He measurements as part of routine care within the first 120 days of life.

Result: A total of 730 Ret-He measurements from 249 infants were analyzed (median gestational age at birth 32.1 weeks; 49 infants <28 weeks and 200 ≥28 weeks). Initial Ret-He measurements were lower in infants <28 weeks (28.24 vs. 33.34 pg). Ret-He values initially decreased, then slowly increased. Infants received an average of 3.9, 6.5, and 8.2 mg/kg/day of enteral iron sulfate at 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively.

Conclusion: Ret-He values showed a slow uptrend with enteral iron supplementation following an initial decrease, suggesting that neonates are able to improve their iron sufficiency status with supplementation.

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / diagnosis*
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Critical Illness*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Erythrocyte Count
  • Gestational Age
  • Hemoglobins / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / blood*
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / blood*
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / diagnosis
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / drug therapy
  • Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
  • Iron / blood
  • Iron / therapeutic use
  • Iron Deficiencies*
  • Reticulocytes*
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Hemoglobins
  • Iron