Exploring the association between haematological markers of iron and general movements in 4-month-old infants exposed to anaemia in-utero.

Background: Iron is a vital micronutrient for brain development, influencing myelination, neurotransmitter balance, and the maturation of specific brain cells. Hence iron insufficiency in the foetal, neonatal and infancy period has the potential to influence the neuromotor development.

Aims: We aimed to describe haematological markers of iron at 4 months of age in infants exposed to prenatal anaemia and explore the association with their quality of general movements.

Study Design: Cross sectional study nested within the RAPIDIRON-KIDS trial.

Subjects: All infants whose mothers were part of RAPIDIRON-KIDS trial, were eligible to participate in this study when the infants were 4 months old. Children suffering from fever or acute illness on the day of assessment, or with a history of either surgery, or admission to hospital in the first month were excluded.

Outcome Measures: Haematological markers of iron (Haemoglobin and Ferritin level) and quality of general movements in infants at 4 months of age.

Results: 120 infants were assessed with mean birth weight of 2685.5 g (±384.5) and median gestational age of 39 weeks [Q, Q:38,40]. There was no significant association between haemoglobin or ferritin levels with fidgety movements (p = 0.18 and p = 0.27, respectively). The combined effect of haemoglobin and ferritin estimates also did not show any significant association with the study groups (p = 0.21).

Conclusion: A majority of infants still had low iron indices at 4 months of age and this was not associated with the quality of general movements. A prospective longitudinal study needs to be considered in infants exposed to prenatal anaemia rather than assessing the outcomes at a single time point.