Prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency among pregnant adolescents (1024.10)

Abstract

Pregnant adolescents may be at high risk for anemia and iron deficiency (ID) yet few data are available in this group. Longitudinal changes in iron (Fe) status and anemia were assessed in 255 pregnant adolescents (蠄 18 y) and associations between Fe status indices and hepcidin and inflammatory markers were examined (蠅 12 weeks gestation until term). Maternal serum was obtained during pregnancy (26.0 ± 3.3 weeks) and at delivery (39.8 ± 1.3 weeks) for assessment of TfR, ferritin, total body iron, hepcidin, EPO, CRP, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α. Hemoglobin data were abstracted from the medical records. Prevalence of anemia increased significantly across gestation (4‐6% in 1st and 2nd trimester), 18% (3rd trimester) and 27% (at delivery). Iron deficiency (TfR > 8.5 mg/L) at delivery was double that observed during gestation (7% vs. 14%, p = 0.04). Significantly higher levels of hepcidin (p < 0.05) and cytokines (p < 0.05) were found at delivery compared to measures during pregnancy, which confounded interpretation of serum ferritin at delivery. Of all indicators examined, EPO showed the most robust correlations with all other Fe status indicators, suggesting its utility to indicate low Fe status and increased erythropoietic activity at any time point across gestation including delivery. Early and targeted screening and monitoring of Fe status is warranted to prevent maternal anemia and provide optimal maternal Fe in support of fetal development. Supported by USDA 2005‐35200; 2008‐01857.Grant Funding Source: USDA 2005‐35200; 2008‐01857