The Effect of Cobalt and Iron Salts on the Anaemia of Prematurity

Blood Formation in Infancy: Part IV The Early Anaemia of Prematurity

“…The single agent with claims to possess the property )ermore, the mean corpuscular haemoglobin of stimulating the marrow directly is cobalt. We bntration has always remained normal throughshall not here refer at length to the literature on the the first trimester in the smallest premature haematological effects of cobalt, for this has been (Coles and James, 1954), the U.S.A. (Rohn, Bond and Klotz, 1953) and Germany (Schmoger, 1953). There is now good evidence that in man as in animals cobalt is capable of stimulating ervthropoiesis, although its mode of action remains obscure.…”

“…In this way the rapid post-natal fall in haemoglobin can be slowed, and the early anaemia of prematurity largely prevented. Coles and James (1954) have also studied the effect of cobalt on the anaemia of prematurity, observing a large series of infants for up to one year. Their study, although not particularly directed to the early anaemia of prematurity, led them to conclude that cobalt, given in the early weeks of life, was of value in preventing this anaemia.…”