Latent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy: effects on maternal and fetal health, possible ways to solve the problem

Abstract

Iron deficiency with or without anemia in pregnant women is quite common today. In fact, anemia affects nearly 30% of women of reproductive age, and its prevalence among pregnant women is estimated to be 38% worldwide. Although iron deficiency (IR) is not the only cause of anemia, it is the most prevalent one. Anemia-reduction strategies among pregnant women are often ineffective, and severe anemia can greatly increase the risk of maternal mortality, as reported by WHO. Now therefore, the current guidelines for screening and treatment of ID-anemia (IDA) in pregnant women and new-borns require change. Severe anemia can greatly increase the risk of maternal death and adversely affect a developing fetus and new-born. In this review, we analyse the available data on the epidemiology and the effects of iron deficiency on mothers and infants, current treatment strategies and screening recommendations, as well as examine the treatment of IDA in pregnant women and newborns and the problem of poor compliance in patients with latent iron deficiency. A continuous long-term course of administration of oral iron supplements is one of the components of success in the treatment of IDA, and particularly latent forms of iron deficiency in pregnant women. It is often the case that poor patients’ compliance with therapy leads to poor treatment outcomes and misleading conclusions about the ineffectiveness of oral iron dosage forms in the battle against IDA. The data we have analysed suggest the possibility of increasing compliance with IDA treatment in pregnant women.