Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatment in Pregnancy

Abstract

Around 1.5 billion people worldwide, iron deficiency anemia affects about 50% of the anemia cases. Anemia in pregnancy often occurs due to iron deficiency which can affect the condition of both the mother and the fetus. Serum ferritin measurements have the highest sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of IDA unless there are underlying inflammatory conditions. In pregnant women, the lower threshold value for hemoglobin (Hb) is <11 g / dL in trimester I and III, and <10.5 g / dL in trimester II. A Hb concentration <10 g / dL indicates clinically significant anemia during the puerperium. Oral iron therapy is given as a first-line treatment for iron deficiency anemia. Although current data are limited, intravenous (IV) iron therapy is an alternative therapy option in patients who do not respond to oral iron therapy, develop side effects, do not adhere to oral iron treatment, have very low Hb concentrations and require immediate treatment for severe anemia cases. Apart from giving iron, red blood cell transfusion is also an option for treating iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy.