Effect of Maternal Iron Deficiency Anemia on Fetal Hemodynamics
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- Category: Vol. 85, March 2017
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Effect of Maternal Iron Deficiency Anemia on Fetal Hemodynamics, MOHAMAD IHAB, AHMAD HAMDI, HANY AL-GHOBARY and MAI EL-SAYED
Abstract
Background: Iron deficiency anemia is a worldwide complication. So far, it is the most common medical compli-cation in pregnancy with several complications. It is also suspected to reduce the oxygen supply to the fetus, which may be responsible for fetal blood redistribution, despite there being no evidence of placental insufficiency.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of maternal iron defi-ciency anemia on the vascular adaptive potentials of the fetus to withstand it by Doppler parameters. Also to evaluate the effect of iron therapy or blood transfusion during pregnancy.
Study Design: Prospective comparative study included ninety pregnant women (>!32weeks) diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia who were subjected to Doppler examination of umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery and fetal renal artery at time of admission, 10 days after receiving iron therapy or blood transfusion according to Hb level and again at time of delivery to show the impact of treatment.
Results: Vasodilatation of the fetal middle cerebral artery occurred (brain sparing effect), this demonstrated by changes in Doppler indices of the middle cerebral artery, umbilical artery and renal artery. Treatment of anemia resulted in correction of these Doppler changes and decreased fetal complications which were attributed to anemia.
Conclusion: Prevention of iron deficiency anemia is better than treatment. Prevention is simply by oral iron supplements, but treatment might need oral, parenteral iron or even blood transfusion.