Abstract
Preterm babies are at high risk of iron deficiency. We investigated current practices regarding iron prophylaxis in preterm and low birth weight newborns among Local Neonatal Units (LNUs, n=74) and Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs, n=20) of three Italian Regions (Piemonte, Marche and Lazio). Birth weight is considered an indicative parameter in only 64% of LNUs and 71% of NICUs, with a significant difference between LNUs in the three regions (86%, 20% and 62%, respectively; p<0.001). Iron is recommended to infants with a birth weight between 2000 and 2500g in only 25% of LNUs and 21% of NICUs, and to late-preterm (gestational age between 34 and 37 weeks) in a minority of Units (26% of LNUs, 7% of NICUs). Our pilot survey documents a great variability and the urgent need to standardize practices according to literature recommendations.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
