Erythroferrone and Its Impact on Maternal and Neonatal Iron Homeostasis

Erythroferrone and Its Impact on Maternal and Neonatal Iron Homeostasis

Erythroferrone (ERFE) is a recently identified iron-regulatory hormone that couples iron homeostasis to erythropoiesis but at this time there are no human data on this hormone in pregnant women and their neonates. The investigators hypothesize that ERFE is a sensitive biomarker of iron deficiency and anemia in pregnancy and neonates, and that it mediates the feedback mechanism to correct iron deficiency and anemia. To address this research gap, the investigators will measure ERFE in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum and placental tissue using an existing biospecimen archive.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy pregnant volunteers

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hemoglobinopathies
• Pre-existing diabetes
• Malabsorption diseases
• Pregnancy induced hypertension
• Elevated diastolic blood pressure (>110)
• Previous treatment for lead exposure or elevated childhood lead concentrations.
• Preexisting medical conditions known to impact iron homeostasis