Neonatal Outcome in Cases of Maternal Iron Deficiency Anemia, 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 perinatal complications.
Objective: To evaluate short term neonatal outcome by APGAR score and birth weight in cases of maternal iron deficiency anemia. Also to evaluate the effect of treatment (iron therapy or blood transfusion) during pregnancy.
Study Design: Prospective comparative study included 150 pregnant women (>!32 weeks) diagnosed with iron defi-ciency anemia were divided into 3 groups and were subjected to laboratory investigations and ultrasound examination at time of admission, 15 days after receiving iron therapy or blood transfusion according to Hb level and again at time of delivery to show the impact of treatment, neonatal assessment by APGAR score at 5min, birth weight and NICU admission.
Results: Hemoglobin level increased in the three groups with treatment but the difference was statistically not signif-icant, IUGR and preterm labour were highest in cases with severe anemia; neonatal birth weight was highest in cases with mild 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.