Possibilities of using reticulocyte indices for prescribing prevention of early anemia of prematurity

BACKGROUND: To date, the literature contains a sufficient number of recommendations for medical care for early anemia of prematurity. But the timing of the beginning of prevention of this disease varies. Therefore, the search of laboratory criteria for the start of drag prevention of anemia of prematurity is very relevant. AIM: Identify the possibilities of using reticulocyte indices for prescribing drug prevention of early anemia of prematurity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included 35 preterm infants. They were divided into two groups. The group 1 consisted of premature infants with early anemia of prematurity which developed before the 30^th day of life (n = 16). The group 2 was children with a later manifestation of this disease (n = 19). We were analyzed the parameters of the general blood test with reticulocyte indices and the level of ferritin, transferrin, lactoferrin, erythropoietin in the blood serum at the time of diagnosis of early anemia of prematurity. RESULTS: Determination of the absolute number of reticulocytes below 110×10⁹/L and the relative number of reticulocytes less than 2.6% on days 8–14 of premature baby’s life determine the drug prevention of early anemia of prematurity in this time period. CONCLUSIONS: Prescribing drug prophylaxis based on the obtained laboratory parameters will prevent the early onset (before the 30^th day of life) of early anemia in premature infants, as well as reduce the frequency and volume of blood sampling.