Maternal anemia, iron deficiency, and pregnancy outcomes in India (804.10)

Abstract

Objective: To examine the burden of anemia and iron deficiency and its association with pregnancy outcomes in women in India.Methods: A total of 366 pregnant women who were participating in a vitamin B12 supplementation trial in India were monitored to assess the associations of maternal hematological status during pregnancy (hemoglobin, ferritin, CRP, AGP) and birth outcomes. Binomial and linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations between maternal iron status and pregnancy outcomes.Results: Anemia and iron deficiency were common in pregnancy: 30% of women were anemic (Hb<11.0 g/dL), 40% were iron deficient (ferritin<12 µg/L), and 22% had iron deficiency anemia. Maternal anemia predicted 2.4 times greater risk of preterm delivery (p<0.01) and increased risk of low birth weight (p=0.05). Maternal iron deficiency predicted a 2.5‐fold higher risk of preterm delivery (p<0.01), and iron deficiency anemia predicted a three‐fold greater risk of preterm delivery (p<0.001).Conclusions: Anemia, iron deficiency, and iron deficiency anemia are common in pregnant Indian women and are associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.Grant Funding Source: Supported by: NICHD, ICMR, NIHK24; HIGH, SAI, Rose, SJRI, and DNS.