Ferritin concentration of mothers' serum linear models for pridicting weight and height of new born babies

Iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women may result in detrimental consequences for their babies. Controversy exists between the findings of previous investigations conducted to explore the association between iron deficiency in the mothers and the outcome of pregnancy. This study is conducted to determine evidence regarding this association.

A group of 120 eligible respondents were randomly selected from the list of all women who had given birth between 1st January and 30th March 2005, in Rafsanjan county hospitals. A study checklist was completed for 600 mothers and blood samples were taken from the group of 120 women eligible for inclusion in the study after receiving their second consent. Weight and height of babies were accurately measured at birth. Data including birth weight and birth height were analyzed using SPSS and parametric, (t-test, Correlation, Hierarchical Multiple Regression), and non-parametric, (Chi-square, Mann-Witney U), tests were used where appropriate.

In different groups of respondents, mothers’ age, educational status, infants’ sex or gestational age revealed no association with the ferritin concentration of mothers' serum, thus eliminating the effect of confounders. A significant positive correlation was found between the ferritin concentration and the weight, (r= 0.434, n=120, p<0.001), and also the height, (r=0.396, n=120, p<0.001), of babies.

Linear models revealed that ferritin concentration of mothers’ serum in the 24 hours prior to delivery could be suitable to predict both birth weight and birth height of newborns. This emphasizes the importance of a positive iron balance in pregnant women. Controlling the diet of pregnant women to provide enough iron in their food seems appropriate for improving pregnancy outcome.