The hypothesis of this study is as follows:~Reduced iron availability through fetal development impacts fundamental early neurodevelopmental processes, including neurogenesis of the hippocampus, amygdala, and other 'core' deep brain basal ganglia regions (e.g., globus pallidus); and myelination of the brain's white matter connecting these deep brain structures and higher-order cortical regions involved in motor, memory, and executive functioning.~The specific aims of this Neuroimaging Ancillary Study are:~To determine impact of the IV iron intervention compared to oral iron on specific markers of brain development; and~As a secondary analysis, to explore whether infant sex acts as a moderator of treatment on these specific brain development markers.~This study will recruit pregnant mothers currently participating in the parent RAPIDIRON Trial, who will be approached to give consent for themselves and their offspring for participation in this Neuroimaging Ancillary Study. Participation in this Ancillary Study will involve assessments at 32-35 weeks fetal gestational age, birth, 4 months, 12 months, and 24 months post-delivery. This will involve a fetal MRI and three post-birth MRIs conducted with the offspring to collect the main neuroimaging measures. In addition, we will collect various secondary offspring and maternal measures including child auditory brain response; maternal depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and empowerment; hair cortisol; and breastmilk micronutrient analysis.~Please see the protocol for additional details.
As a follow-up to the RAPIDIRON Trial (NCT05358509), and in combination with the RAPIDIRON-KIDS Study (NCT05504863), this study will involve infants of RAPIDIRON Trial participants recruited at one site in Karnataka and is designed to implement a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol and incorporate neuroimaging measures. Implementation of this study will promote an understanding of the effects on fetal and neonatal brain development, including iron deposition in brain tissues, when a woman is treated for iron deficiency anemia (IDA) by either (a) providing her oral iron tablets and instructions for use; or (b) administering a single-dose IV iron infusion for the treatment of IDA during pregnancy.