Severity of Iron Deficiency Anemia In Pregnancy With Fetomaternal Outcomes

Majida Ali, Sadaf Wagar, Mehwish Memon, Rozina Nargis, Majid Ansari

Abstract

Objective

To find the severity of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy along-with fetomaternal outcomes.

Study design

Cross sectional study.

Place & Duration of study

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit I, Shaikh Zayad Women's Hospital Larkana, from March 2023 to September 2023.

Methods

Pregnant women were selected through non-probability purposive sampling. Detailed history was taken and clinical examination performed. Nutritional status was assessed and dietary habits were inquired in particular. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin and total iron binding capacity levels were estimated. Gestational period was monitored for any maternal and fetal complications. Delivery related events and status of the newborns were also noted. Statistical analysis of the data were done to report the outcomes as frequencies and percentages and their relationship with the severity of anemia.

Results

A total of 100 pregnant women were included. The age of the participants was between 18 to 40-years. Forty-one (41%) women were between 26 to 30-years of age. Majority (n=63 – 63%) of the women belonged to the low socioeconomic group and had rural background (n=62 – 62%). Seventy-four (74%) women had moderate anemia. Twenty-five (25%) women had low ferritin levels (5- 10 mg/ L) while 40% had moderate levels (10-50 mg/ L). A total of 56% women had cesarean delivery, 16% experienced postpartum hemorrhage, and 12% developed cardiac failure. There were 20% intrauterine deaths and 8% maternal deaths in this series. In addition, 12% neonatal deaths occurred.

Conclusion

The iron deficiency anemia had huge effect on pregnancy, labor and newborns as gestational period was difficult to manage and delivery was challenging with poor maternal and fetal outcome. A large number on newborns also died.

Key words

Anemia, Pregnancy, Postpartum hemorrhage, Ferritin level, Maternal mortality.