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Influence of iron status on risk of maternal or neonatal infection and on neonatal mortality with an emphasis on developing countries

Brabin, Loretta, Brabin, Bernard and Gies, Sabine (2013) 'Influence of iron status on risk of maternal or neonatal infection and on neonatal mortality with an emphasis on developing countries'. Nutrition Reviews, Vol 71, Issue 8, pp. 528-540.

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Abstract

Infection is a major cause of neonatal death in developing countries. This review investigates whether host iron status affects the risk of maternal and/or neonatal infection, potentially contributing to neonatal death, and summarizes the iron acquisition mechanisms described for pathogens causing stillbirth, preterm birth, and congenital infection. In vitro evidence shows that iron availability influences the severity and chronicity of infections that cause these negative outcomes of pregnancy. In vivo evidence is lacking, as relevant studies of maternal iron supplementation have not assessed the effect of iron status on the risk of maternal and/or neonatal infection. Reducing iron-deficiency anemia among women is beneficial and should improve the iron stores of babies; moreover, there is evidence that iron status in young children predicts the risk of malaria and, possibly, the risk of invasive bacterial diseases. Caution with maternal iron supplementation is indicated in iron-replete women who may be at high risk of exposure to infection, although distinguishing between iron-replete and iron-deficient women is currently difficult in developing countries, where a point-of-care test is needed. Further research is indicated to investigate the risk of infection relative to iron status in mothers and babies in order to avoid iron intervention strategies that may result in detrimental birth outcomes in some groups of women.

Item Type: Article
Subjects: QV Pharmacology > Hematologic Agents > QV 183 Iron. Iron compounds
WA Public Health > Health Problems of Special Population Groups > WA 310 Maternal welfare
WA Public Health > Health Problems of Special Population Groups > WA 395 Health in developing countries
WH Hemic and Lymphatic Systems > Hematologic Diseases. Immunologic Factors. Blood Banks > WH 160 Hypochromic anemia
WQ Obstetrics > Pregnancy Complications > WQ 252 Hematologic complications
WS Pediatrics > By Age Groups > WS 420 Newborn infants. Neonatology
Faculty: Department: Clinical Sciences & International Health > Clinical Sciences Department
Digital Object Identifer (DOI): https://doi.org/10.1111/nure.12049
Depositing User: Lynn Roberts-Maloney
Date Deposited: 13 Feb 2015 10:33
Last Modified: 06 Feb 2018 13:08
URI: https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/4902

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