Evaluation of serum iron and iron storage in neonates undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate iron storage indices in neonates undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.

Study design: Thirty neonatal ECMO patients were evaluated by measuring pre- and post- ECMO iron, ferritin, transferrin, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). Each patient's post-ECMO values were compared to his/her pre-ECMO measurements. Multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate factors affecting serum iron and iron storage indices.

Results: All measured iron storage indices were increased during ECMO in the majority of our patients. The increase in serum iron and TIBC was dependent on the amount of blood transfused during ECMO (p = 0.038 for iron; p = 0.026 for TIBC). Change in ferritin level was dependent on both the duration of ECMO (p = 0.012) and the amount of blood transfused (p = 0.01).

Conclusion: We observed increases in iron indices measured in neonates on ECMO. We recommend individualized attention to the iron storage indices in neonatal ECMO patients.