Increased fetal iron load in rhesus hemolytic disease

Aygun C., Tekinalp G., Gurgey A.

Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, vol.21, no.4, pp.329-333, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 21 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/08880010490440464
  • Journal Name: Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.329-333
  • Keywords: Ferrilin, Newborn, Rhesus hemolytic disease
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: No

Abstract

There is little information about the iron overload caused by hemolysis in fetuses affected with rhesus hemolytic disease (RHD). The authors therefore studied the iron load in RHD by measuring cord blood ferritin levels in babies affected with RHD and gestational age- and weight-matched controls. Cord blood ferritin levels were higher in babies with RHD. Intrauterine transfusions did not affect the ferrilin status of the babies with RHD and there was no correlation between hemoglobin and ferritin levels. The results indicate that there is an increased intrauterine iron load in babies with RHD, independent from intrauterine transfusions and rate of hemolysis.