الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract 31.70 ± 2.68 pg/cell. The median serum ferritin level was 168 (IQR: 125 – 225) ng/mL and ferritin was positively correlated with Ret-Hb. Almost 58% (n=29) required iron supplements in the first 2-4 weeks of life and 64% of neonates required packed red cell transfusion during their hospitalization. Ret-Hb at a cut off level of ≤30.4 pg/cell can predict early enteral iron supplement among the studied group at the cut off level with sensitivity of 52.4%, specificity of 75.9% and with a cut off level < 30.8pg/cell can predict the need for blood transfusion among the studied group with sensitivity of 56.25% and specificity of 83.33%. Conclusion: Ret-Hb levels in preterm neonates was significantly correlated with ferritin levels. Ret-Hb could be a reliable marker of iron deficiency and helps in early enteral iron supplement for this age group but normal reference ranges should be standardized. |