Solemnity: A clinical risk index for iron deficient infants

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Abstract
Four groups of infants with iron deficiency but without anemia (hemoglobin ≥ 11.0g/dL) were studied in an attempt to discover behavioral signs that can be used to index high risk probability for iron deficiency. The 38 9‐to‐12 month infants were classified as iron replete, iron depleted, or iron deficient, based on biochemical analysis. Intramuscular iron was given immediately to all infants after administration of the Bayley Infant Development Scales. A significant retest increase on the Bayley Mental Development Index (M Dl) of 21.6 points was found for iron deficiency infants compared to non significant 6.2 and 5.6 point changes for the iron replete and iron depleted infants. For 10/18 iron deficient infants who were rated high on solemnity during pretest but low on posttest, mean MDI increase was 30.3 points, compared to a 10.3 point increase for the 3/20 normal and iron depleted infants whose solemnity scores changed. Solemnity in well‐attached infants is suggested for use as a clinical sign to indicate the need for biochemical screening for iron deficiency.