Abstract
BackgroundThe symptoms of anemia and depression are very similar suggesting that there may be an association between the two entities. The aim of this study is to assess whether postpartum anemia (PPA) is an independent risk factor for de novo postpartum depression (PPD)in women undergoing elective cesarean section.MethodsWomen after an uncomplicated term cesarean section were recruited and their hemoglobin and iron status were measured on day 3–5 post section and again at 6 weeks. Postpartum depression was screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and functional capacity was assessed with the RAND 12-item Health survey.ResultsOne hundred and three women completed the study. The incidence of probable postpartum depression (PPD) as defined by EPDS score ≥ 10 was 17% at 6 weeks. There was no difference in hemoglobin or iron status in women who had PPD compared to those without (OR-0.69; 95% CI-0.15-2.49). Similarly, there was no significant association between low hemoglobin and maternal functional status (OR -1.03; 95% CI-0.34 - 2.94).ConclusionsNeither anemia or low iron stores were found to be an independent risk factors for postpartum depression or decreased postpartum functional capacity in women who undergo an elective cesarean section.
Highlights
The symptoms of anemia and depression are very similar suggesting that there may be an association between the two entities
We aimed to determine whether anemia and iron deficiency, or the combination of these, are independent risk factors for newly diagnosed postpartum depression and decreased functional capacity in women who deliver by elective cesarean section
The secondary outcomes were the association of postpartum depression (PPD) with measures of iron stores, measured by hemoglobin and soluble transferrin receptor and functional status measured by the RAND test
Summary
The symptoms of anemia and depression are very similar suggesting that there may be an association between the two entities. The aim of this study is to assess whether postpartum anemia (PPA) is an independent risk factor for de novo postpartum depression (PPD)in women undergoing elective cesarean section. Postpartum anemia (PPA) is a serious health condition affecting approximately 27% of North American women during the early postpartum period (puerperium). Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common conditions in the postnatal period affecting between 10 and 15% of women [5]. The classic symptoms associated with PPD are depressed mood, anxiety, anhedonia, appetite and sleep disturbances, physical agitation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness and Chandrasekaran et al BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth (2018) 18:400 excessive guilt, decreased concentration and recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation [10]
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