Non-anemic Mothers Research Articles

Effect of maternal anaemia on birth weight of term babies

Background: Low birth weight is the major determinant of mortality, morbidity and disability in infancy and childhood and has a long-term impact on health outcome in adult life. The objectives of this study were to study the relationship between maternal anemia and birth weight of babies and to study anthropometric measures of babies born to anemic and non-anemic mothers and to correlate the timing of anemia with birth weight of babies.Methods: Term babies born in Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Government Medical College, Kozhikode from November 2014 to October 2016 fulfilling the criteria were divided into 2 groups, cases (term babies with birth weight <2500g) and controls (term babies with weight >2500g) and studied and their maternal hemoglobin values were compared.Results: Maternal anaemia in all three trimesters was found to be more in cases compared to controls. Mean 1st trimester hemoglobin of cases was 10.68 g/dl which was significantly lower when compared to controls. Mean 2nd trimester hemoglobin of cases was 10.36 g/dl compared to 11.47 g/dl in controls. Mean 3rd trimester hemoglobin of cases was 10.42 g/dl which was also significantly lower compared to 11.32 g/dl in controls. SGA babies were also found to be more in cases, 89%, compared to 18% in controls. The difference in head circumference between two groups was not statistically significant. Mean length of babies were higher in controls compared to cases. Mothers with anemia at any time during pregnancy was found to have 4.3 times higher risk of giving birth to low birth weight babies compared to non-anemic mothersConclusion: Anemia during pregnancy is a risk factor for low birth weight and SGA, independent of the trimester. Length of babies born to anaemic mothers is also low. But it does not have a significant effect on head circumference of babies.

THE EFFECT OF MATERNAL ANEMIA ON THE ANTHROPOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS IN FULLTERM NEONATES

Objective: The current study was performed to understand the effect of maternal anemia and its severity on anthropometric measurement of full-term neonates.Methods: In this study, 254 pregnant women were involved in this study. The women with anemia were classified depending on the hemoglobin concentration into three groups of mild (10.9–9.0 g/dl), moderate (8.9–7.0 g/dl), and severe anemia (˂7.0 g/dl). The anthropometric measurements of the newborns were measured including birth weight, length, and head and chest circumference. Mothers with chronic diseases, preterm neonates, postdate neonates, neonates with congenital anomalies, or critical illnesses had been excluded from the study.Results: A total of 147 (58%) mothers had normal hemoglobin levels, and 107 (42%) mothers were anemic. The newborns were 123 males and 131 females. From the anemic mothers, 59 (55%) neonates had low weight, and 48 (45%) neonates had normal weight. In mothers with mild anemia (n=83), 40 (48%) neonates had low weight. In mothers with moderate anemia (n=21), 16 (76%) neonates had low weight. In mothers with severe anemia (n=3), all of their neonates had low weight. The current study revealed a statistically significant difference (p=0.002) in the anthropometric measurement of the full-term neonates between anemic and non-anemic mothers. There was also a statistically significant difference (p=0.001) in the anthropometric measurement of the full-termed neonates between severely and mildly anemic mothers.Conclusion: The current study shows that maternal anemia affects the anthropometric measurements of newly delivered full-term neonates. Neonates born to anemic mothers had low birth weight and shorter length than those in neonates who were born to non-anemic mothers.

Evaluation of Subclinical Anaemia Using Serum Ferritin Level in Rural Antenatal Mothers

Prevalence of anaemia in all the groups of women is higher in India as compared to other developing countries [1] ; leading to maternal mortality, increase in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission and under nutrition in childhood and adolescence. The aim of this study is to assess serum ferritin levels in non-anaemic (according to Haemoglobin concentration) mothers with Haemoglobin > 10g/dl and to express that Haemoglobin concentration of blood is inadequate to diagnose subclinical iron deficiency anaemia in rural antenatal mothers. Blood samples were collected from 200 antenatal women visiting Government Sivaganga Medical College and Hospital, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, India. Among them 56.5 % (n=113) prenatal women were in the 3 rd Trimester of pregnancy, 30 % (n=60) in the second Trimester and 13.5 % (n=27) in the first Trimester. Their mean age was 24.5 years, mean height was 153.9 cm. During clinical examination 9 women (4.5 %) were found to be clinically anaemic and the remaining 191 samples were classified according the range of Haemoglobin level. Of the 191 samples 48 samples (24%) containing Hb ≥ 10 g/dl (non anaemic) were taken for study of serum ferritin. The mean level of Ferritin decreases from first trimester to second to third trimester in the decreasing order of 40.8ng/ml, 36.4ng/ml and 27.6 ng/ml respectively. There is a positive correlation between Haemoglobin and Serum Ferritin in three different trimesters of antenatal women. On assessing Haemoglobin alone 76% of antenatal women under study were found to be anaemic. In non-anaemic women 16.7 % were found to be anaemic (iron deficiency anaemia) based on Serum ferritin level (less than 12 ng/ml). Totally 80% of antenatal women are found to be anaemic in this study area. Thus an increase of 4% detection rate and early diagnosis of

Maternal and Cord Blood Hepcidin Concentrations in Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia

The present study was conducted to assess the maternal and cord blood hepcidin concentrations in severe iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and to find out its correlation with other iron status parameters. This prospective observational study was carried out in 30 mothers with severe IDA (hemoglobin < 70g/L and serum ferritin < 12μg/L), and 15 healthy nonanemic (hemoglobin ≥ 110g/L) mothers, who delivered live singleton neonates at term gestation. Mothers and neonates with infection/inflammatory conditions were excluded. Quantitative estimation of complete blood count, serum iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation (Tfsat) was done in maternal and cord blood immediately after delivery by an auto analyzer. Serum hepcidin concentrations were measured by double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a Human Hepcidin-25 kit. Data were analyzed by statistical software SPSS 16.0. The serum iron and ferritin concentrations in severe IDA were 6.7±1.8μmol/L and 4.1±1.4μg/L in maternal blood, and 9.5±2.6μmol/L and 55.4±19.7μg/L in cord blood, respectively, significantly lower than nonanemic controls (p<0.001). The corresponding serum hepcidin concentrations were 76.6±22.7μg/L and 110.5±11.8μg/L, respectively (p<0.05). The proportion of cord blood/maternal blood hepcidin concentration was similar in both anemic (1.4:1) and nonanemic (1.3:1) mothers. Significant correlation was observed among maternal and cord blood hepcidin concentrations and other iron status parameters. Even in the presence of low serum iron and ferritin, maternal and cord blood hepcidin concentrations remained high in severe anemia. Failure of this proportional suppression of hepcidin indicates poor systemic bioavailability of iron to the mother and poor placental transport.

The efficacy of early iron supplementation on postpartum depression, a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Evaluating early iron supplementation in non-anemic mothers with postpartum depression (PPD). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 70 mothers with PPD. One week after delivery, the mothers were randomly allocated in the iron-treated (50mg elemental iron/daily) and placebo-treated groups. After 6weeks, the improvement of PPD symptoms was compared between the groups. Ferritin significantly increased in the iron-treated group (p<0.001), but not in the placebo group (p=0.09). After intervention, ferritin was higher in the iron-treated group (medians: 78.2 vs. 37mg/dl, p=0.01). The rate of iron deficiency significantly decreased in the iron-treated group (p=0.009), but not in the placebo group (p=0.4). After intervention, the rate of iron deficiency was higher in the placebo group (31.4 vs. 8.5%, p=0.01). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score significantly decreased in the iron-treated group (p<0.001), but not in the placebo group (p=0.13). After intervention, the EPDS score was lower in the iron-treated group (medians 9 vs. 12, p=0.01). The improvement rate for PPD was significantly higher in the iron-treated group (42.8 vs. 20%, p=0.03). After intervention, mothers with continued PPD had lower ferritin than the improved mothers (41.8 vs. 67mg/dl, p=0.03). Mothers with continued depression had higher rate of iron deficiency compared to the improved mothers (27.1 vs. 4.5%, p=0.02). Early iron supplementation in mothers with PPD significantly improves the iron stores and causes a significant improvement in PPD with a 42.8% improvement rate during 6weeks. Continued PPD might be related to the lower postpartum ferritin levels in untreated mothers.

Umbilical Cord Blood Hemogram: What Is the Effect of Maternal Anemia?

Introduction: Umbilical cord blood (UCB), a source of hematopoietic stem cells, represents neonatal blood and reflects the health of the newborn to a great extent. Establishing biological reference intervals is essential to discard samples before submitting for expensive investigations and storage. Also neonatal anemia has to be recognised early. Hence this study is undertaken to establish a biological reference interval for the UCB hemogram and to study the effect of maternal anemia on the fetus.Materials and methods: This is a prospective study conducted in two steps after Institutional Ethics Committee approval. In each step, 100 full term infants with normal birth weight and APGAR score delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery were enrolled. In the first step, the mothers had hemoglobin (Hb) above 12 g/dL and no co-morbid conditions. In the second step, maternal hemoglobin cut offs of 12 g/dL and 10.9 g/dL were established. UCB was collected after clamping the cord in a K₂-EDTA evacuated tube. The blood was processed in Beckman Coulter LH 780 hematology analyzer. Delta check and manual count of RBC precursors was done by peripheral smear and reticulocyte count. Data was analysed using SPSS IBM statistics software version 19.The RBC parameters (RBC count, Hb, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), red cell distribution width (RDW)) and RBC precursors between groups were compared. The changes according to the grade of anemia were analysed and compared with the biological reference interval. The maternal Hb was grouped in 1 g/dL differences and the Hb in the UCB of the respective neonates was correlated.Results: The biological reference interval for UCB hemogram was established.No significant difference was found in the RBC parameters in the UCB of neonates born to anemic and non-anemic mothers. Reticulocyte parameters namely reticulocyte count, absolute reticulocyte count, reticulocyte index and reticulocyte proliferation index showed significant increase in the UCB of neonates born to anemic mothers. No significant difference was found in the nucleated RBC (nRBC) count between the groups. When compared to the biological reference interval, MCH and MCHC were lower and reticulocyte parameters were higher in the UCB of neonates born to anemic mothers. A significant positive Pearson correlation was found between cord blood Hb and maternal Hb.Discussion: Through the UCB Hb correlated positively with maternal Hb, it has been found that maternal anemia does not cause fetal anemia. This may be due to high iron transfer from mother to fetus and maximally stimulated erythropoiesis at the end of gestation.However, significantly low MCH and MCHC values were seen in the UCB of neonates born to anemic mothers in comparison with the biological reference interval. This may be due to early decreased hemoglobin content within the cell which is compensated by the high RBC count. This is further confirmed by the significant elevation of reticulocyte parameters in the UCB of neonates born to anemic mothers.Conclusion: Maternal anemia depending on the severity causes chronic hypoxia so that the fetal bone marrow reacts to the effect of erythropoietin by increased erythropoiesis and RBC precursor release. Severe maternal anemia may cause neonatal anemia which needs further ferrokinetic studies. Maternal anemia in developing countries needs to be corrected. Also the biological reference interval established serves as a tool for neonatologists, transplant hematologists and future studies in UCB. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

ANEMIA IN PREGNANCY: IMPACT ON WEIGHT AND IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANEMIA IN NEWBORN.

nutritional deficiencies are still a common problem during pregnancy causing anemia. Gestational anemia is still considered a public health problem in Brazil, because it is hazardous to both mother and fetus, and is associated with increased risk of maternal-fetal morbidity, as well as the nutritional status of child. to evaluate the frequency of maternal gestational anemia in newborns and its relation to the nutritional status of the child at birth. anthropometric data of pregnant women and their newborns were obtained. Blood was collected from pregnant women and the umbilical cord of newborns for analysis of hemoglobin, hematocrit, RDW, iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation index in automatic devices. The results are presented such as the arithmetic mean and the standard deviation. GraphPadinStat Software version 3.0 was used, with a maximum significance level of 5%. the frequency of maternal anemia was 53.7%, and 32.6% in newborns. Half the newborns were anemic children of anemic mothers. 79.3% of the anemic pregnant women had mild anemia and in 20.7% moderate. The average concentration of hemoglobin and hematocrit was lower in anemic pregnant women (9.7 ± 0.9 g/dL and 29.8 ± 3.2%) compared with non-anemic (11.9 ± 0.7 g/ dL and 36.5 ± 2.7%). The maternal iron was positively correlated with ferritin (r = 0.3889, p = 0.01) from umbilical cord blood. The newborns' weight, length and head circumference of anemic mothers were 3 375.9 ± 506,9 g, 51.2 ± 1.7 cm and 34.5 ± 1.5 cm, respectively, while of nonanemic mothers were 3 300.2 ± 458,4 g, 50.3 ± 2.0 cm and 34.2 ± 2.0 cm, respectively. There were no significant correlations between maternal hemoglobin, iron and ferritin with weight, length and head circumference of newborns. the results of this study show that maternal iron deficiency anemia (mild to moderate) can affect the blood profile and iron concentrations in umbilical cord blood of newborns, but without interfering with the child's anthropometric parameters.

Effect of 40-cm segment umbilical cord milking on hemoglobin and serum ferritin at 6 months of age in full-term infants of anemic and non-anemic mothers.

To assess the effect of early clamping and milking of a 40-cm umbilical cord LUCM (long umbilical cord and milking) on hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin concentrations at 6 months of age and to evaluate whether the effect is different in infants of anemic and non-anemic mothers. Eligible term-infants of anemic (maternal Hb<11.0 g dl(-1)) and non-anemic mothers (Hb ⩾11.0 g dl(-1)) were randomized to LUCM or control groups (N=100 each). In the LUCM group, the umbilical cord was clamped at 40-cm length and milked. The control group had the cord clamped at 5 cm and not milked. Neonatal morbidities until discharge and Hb and serum ferritin at 6 months of age were compared. Effects in infants of anemic and non-anemic mothers were compared. Compared with infants of non-anemic mothers, cord Hb was similar (14.50±1.90 g dl(-1) vs 14.67±1.73 g dl(-1)), but cord ferritin lower (85.8±55.4 ng ml(-1) vs 119.4±58.5 ng ml(-1), P<0.01) in infants of anemic mothers. Mean Hb concentration at 6 months was 9.60±1.42 g dl(-1) in the LUCM group and 9.07±1.10 g dl(-1) in the control group (P=0.004). Mean serum-ferritin concentration at 6 months was 113.9±43.8 ng ml(-1) in the LUCM group and 70.8±39.5 ng/ml in the control group (P<0.001). The effectiveness of LUCM did not vary with the maternal anemia status. Keeping the umbilical cord long and milking may be an effective method for improving Hb and iron stores at 6 months of age in term-infants.

Effect of Severe Maternal Iron Deficiency Anemia on Neonatal Platelet Indices.

To evaluate the effect of maternal iron deficiency anemia (IDA) on fetal thrombopoiesis. In this prospective observational study, maternal and cord blood iron status parameters (serum iron, serum ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, and transferrin saturation), and platelet indices, such as, absolute platelet count (APC), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and plateletcrit, were estimated in a convenient sample of 142 mothers with IDA (hemoglobin <11 g/dl and serum ferritin <12 ng/ml) and an equal number of healthy non-anemic (hemoglobin ≥11 g/dl) mothers, who delivered singleton live neonates at term gestation. Mothers with antenatal thrombocytopenia, infections, inflammatory conditions, pregnancy-induced hypertension and neonates with perinatal asphyxia, sepsis and congenital malformations were excluded. For statistical analysis, the IDA group was further subdivided into mild-to-moderate (hemoglobin 7-10.9 g/dl) and severe (hemoglobin <7 g/dl) anemia. Cord blood APC and PDW were comparable between non-anemic and mild-to-moderate anemic mothers (242,550 ± 54,320/μL vs. 235,260 ± 34,620/μL for APC and 16.2 ± 1.4 vs. 16.4 ± 1.8 fl for PDW, respectively), but in severe IDA group, cord blood APC and PDW were significantly lower (74,520 ± 12,380/μL and 17.8 ± 2.1 fl, respectively, p < 0.001). MPV and plateletcrit were comparable. None of the study neonates had a platelet count <30,000/μL or showed any evidence of clinical bleeding. Neonates born to mothers with severe IDA had moderate thrombocytopenia with increased PDW, though no change was observed in MPV and plateletcrit. Further studies should be carried out to identify the cause and consequences of this observation.

MATHERNAL ANEMIA AND BIRTHWEIGHT

Author has studied the average birth weight using the birth register from Syktyvkar and Vorkuta of Komi Republic. The prevalence of anemia was higher in Vorkuta. Infants born to woman with anemia were heavier than infants of non-anemic mothers were (Sykvyvkar, р&lt;0,001). Babies of anemic mothers from the third or more deliveries were heavier than from the first deliveries (Vorkuta, p&lt;0,001).

Maternal Anaemia and Neonatal Outcomes

This cross-sectional study aims to determine whether maternal anaemia would affect birth&nbsp; outcome &ndash; birth weight and length &ndash; of the baby and compare this with that of non-anaemic mothers. We used secondary data from Puskesmas Kecamatan Ciracas medical records. All delivery records from October &ndash; November 2012 were collected and analysed; samples were divided into two group: Group 1 included anaemic pregnant women and Group 2 non-anaemic pregnant women. Inclusion criteria was all pregnant women 16 years and older and a singleton pregnancy with a complete medical record. All women with a past history of preterm delivery, obstetrical complications or any medical illness, except anaemia, were excluded from the study in order to control for the confounding factors. Out of one hundred and one records, 79 non anaemic subjects and 22 anaemic subjects, were included for the analysis. No significant difference was found in both groups in terms of baby&rsquo;s birth weight and birth length. Keywords: maternity anaemia, birth weight, birth length

Association between Maternal Anaemia and Postpartum Depression in an Urban Sample of Pregnant Women in Iran

The aim of this prospective study was to determine the relationship between anaemia during pregnancy and postpartum depression. Two hundred eighty-one non-anaemic mothers with singleton and low-risk pregnancy and no history of antidepressant-use were studied. Demographic and reproductive data at week 20 were obtained. Mothers were followed up and haemoglobin (Hb) was checked at delivery. Iranian version of Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) was completed 4-6 weeks after delivery. Mean age of the mothers was 26.6+/-4 years. The prevalence of postpartum depression according to EPDS was 5.5%. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that Hb <11 g/dL at delivery would increase the chance of postpartum depression (OR 4.64; 95% CI 1.33-16.08). The results show that diagnosis and treatment of physiologic factors, especially anaemia, would reduce the risk of postpartum depression.

Relationship between Maternal Haemoglobin and Fetal Weight

Aims: This study was done to determine the relationship between maternal haemoglobin and fetal weight. Methods: This study was carried out at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital in 491 primigravidas with full term singleton pregnancy. The study population was divided into two groups, one who had haemoglobin 10 gm% or more and the other women having haemoglobin less than 10 gm%. Fetal weight as the outcome variable was compared between anaemic and nonanaemic mothers and the relation between maternal haemoglobin and fetal weight was studied. Results: The prevalence of anaemia was 46.2% out of which 99.5% had mild anaemia and 0.5% had moderate anaemia. Mean haemoglobin level was 11.54 gm% among non anaemic women and mean birth weight was 2.9 kg in this group whereas mean haemoglobin level was 9.2 gm% in anaemic women and mean birth weight was 2.6 kg in this group and 60% babies had low birth weight (&lt;2.5 kg) born to anaemic women (haemoglobin &lt;10 gm%), and 40% babies had fetal weight &gt;2.5 kg. Similarly babies born to nonanaemic women (haemoglobin &gt;10 gm%) 18.1% had LBW and 81.9% had fetal weight &gt;2.5 kg. The risk of low birth weight was 6.8 times higher among anaemic mothers as compared to non- anaemic mothers which was statistically significant with p-value of 0.0001 (OR 6.80 95% CI, 3.83-12.12). Conclusions: Anemia in pregnancy is one of the causes for poor fetal outcome. Proper antenatal care and counseling can reduce the incidence of anaemia in pregnancy. Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 8 / No. 1 / Issue 15 / Jan- June, 2013 / 37-40 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v8i1.8860

Timing of umbilical cord-clamping and infant anaemia: the role of maternal anaemia

Background: Evidence from randomized controlled trials has shown that delayed cord-clamping is beneficial to infant iron status. The role of maternal anaemia in this relationship, however, has not been established.Objective: To determine the effect of maternal anaemia at delivery on the association between timing of umbilical cord-clamping and infant anaemia at 4 and 8 months of age.Methods: A cohort of pregnant women admitted to the labour room of Hospital Iquitos (Iquitos, Peru) and their newborns were recruited into the study during two time periods (18 May to 3 June and 6–20 July 2009). Between the two recruitment periods, the hospital’s policy changed from early to delayed umbilical cord-clamping. Maternal haemoglobin levels were measured before delivery, and the time between delivery and cord-clamping was recorded at delivery for the entire cohort. Mother–infant pairs were followed-up at 4 (n = 207) and 8 months (n = 184) post partum. Infant haemoglobin levels were measured at follow-up visits. Data were analysed using logistic regression models.Results: The prevalence of maternal anaemia (Hb <11·0 g/dl) at delivery was 22%. Infant haemoglobin levels at 4 and 8 months of age were 10·4 g/dl and 10·3 g/dl, respectively. Infant haemoglobin levels did not differ significantly between infants born to anaemic mothers and those born to non-anaemic mothers at either 4 or 8 months of age. However, the association between the timing of cord-clamping and infant anaemia was modified by the mother’s anaemia status. Significant benefits of delayed cord-clamping in preventing anaemia were found in infants born to anaemic mothers at both 4 months (aOR = 0·59, 95% CI 0·36–0·99) and 8 months (aOR = 0·38, 95% CI 0·19–0·76) of age.Conclusion: The study contributes additional evidence in support of delayed cord-clamping. This intervention is likely to have most public health impact in areas with a high prevalence of anaemia during pregnancy.

Cord blood haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations in newborns of anaemic and non-anaemic mothers in Lagos, Nigeria

Background:Pre-delivery haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations of anaemic and non-anaemic mothers were determined, and cord blood haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations of their newborns were compared. This is to establish the mean values for pre-delivery haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations of anaemic and non-anaemic mothers and the cord blood haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations of their newborns at term.Materials and Methods:A case–control study was done involving 142 pregnant women and their newborns. They were divided into two groups - the anaemic group (n = 65) and the non-anaemic (n = 77) group. Five millilitres of blood was collected from each woman and 2 ml was collected from the cord of their newborns into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) bottle and plain bottle for full blood count analysis and ferritin assay, respectively.Results:The mean pre-delivery haemoglobin concentrations of the women in anaemic group and non-anaemic group were 9.5 ± 1.01 g/dl and 12.15 ± 1.07 g/dl, respectively, and their mean serum ferritin concentrations were 64.45 ± 138.76 μg/l and 32.83 ± 35.36 μg/l, respectively. The mean cord blood haemoglobin concentrations for anaemic and for non-anaemic groups were 12.54 ± 2.54 g/dl and 13.44 ± 2.23 g/dl (P = 0.02), respectively, and the mean cord blood serum ferritin concentrations (non-anaemic, 69.38 ± 78.88 μg/l; anaemic, 7.26 ± 115.60 μg/l) (P = 0.00) were higher in the newborns of non-anaemic than of anaemic mothers. Significant association was found between maternal anaemia and cord blood ferritin concentrations (P = 0.025).Conclusion:Maternal anaemia has significant effects on cord blood haemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations.

Assessment of hematological parameters of neonatal cord blood in anemic and non-anemic mothers

Anemia during pregnancy is associated with high rate of mortality and morbidity among mothers and neonates. The aim of this study was to evaluate hematological parameters of cord blood of neonates born to anemic and non-anemic mothers. This is a cross-sectional comparative study which was carried out in Khartoum state maternity hospitals, 208 anemic pregnant women of hemoglobin levels less than 11.0gm/dl and 292 non anemic pregnant women of hemoglobin levels above 11.0gm/dl were enrolled. Cord blood samples were collected from umbilical cord and drained into K2EDTA containers to estimate complete blood counts using hematological analyzer Sysmex 21, manual reticulocytes count was performed, and venous K2EDTA blood samples were collected from each mother to estimate hemoglobin level. Obtained data were compared by SPSS program version 11.5 using student t-test, and significant level considered as ≤ 0.05. The study revealed that high significant levels of reticulocyte counts (P ≤ 0.05) in cord blood of neonates born to anemic mothers when compared to non-anemic. In other parameters no significant result was recognized. We conclude that anemia during pregnancy has significant effect on reticulocyte counts in neonates been born to anemic mothers in comparison with those were born to non-anemic.

Impact of twice weekly versus daily iron supplementation during pregnancy on maternal and fetal haematological indices: a randomized clinical trial

A randomized clinical trial examined the efficiency and tolerability of twice weekly versus daily iron supplementation during pregnancy. A total of 370 pregnant women were randomly assigned to receive either daily or twice weekly iron supplementation during pregnancy. There were no significant differences in initial and delivery haemoglobin and haematocrit levels between the 2 groups. Ferritin concentrations were significantly lower in the twice weekly group at delivery, but hypoferritinaemia (ferritin < 15 microg/L) was not observed in either group. The frequency of nausea, vomiting and constipation were significantly lower in the twice weekly group. Birth weight and length were significantly higher in the daily supplemented group. In non-anaemic mothers, a smaller dose of iron may be sufficient and also might prevent the complications of iron excess.

No Relationship between Maternal Iron Status and Postpartum Depression in Two Samples in China

Maternal iron status is thought to be related to postpartum depressive symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between pre- and postnatal maternal iron status and depressive symptoms in pilot (n = 137) and confirmatory (n = 567) samples of Chinese women. Iron status was evaluated at mid- and late pregnancy and 3 days postpartum. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess maternal postpartum depression 24–48 hours after delivery and 6 weeks later. In the pilot sample, correlations between early- and late-pregnancy maternal Hb and EPDS scores at 6 weeks were r = 0.07 and −0.01, respectively (nonsignificant). In the confirmatory sample, the correlations between maternal iron measures (Hb, MCV, ZPP, ferritin, sTfR, and sTfR Index) in mid- or late pregnancy or 3 days postpartum and EPDS scores shortly after delivery or at 6 weeks were also low (r values < 0.10). EPDS scores in anemic and nonanemic mothers did not differ, regardless of sample or timing of maternal iron status assessment. In addition, women with or without possible PPD were similar in iron status in both samples. Thus, there was no relationship between maternal iron status and postpartum depression in these samples.

Effect of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy on T3, T 4 and TSH levels in newborns

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in infants is associated v.ith maternal iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Infants from anemic mothers often have lower hemoglobin levels than those from non􀁐anemic mothers. S everal studies have suggested that IDA in infants can impair thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme which is required to produce thyroid hormones. Objective To detennine the effects of IDA during pregnancy on T3, T4, and TSH levels in newborns.Methods We conducted a cross􀁐sectional study from September to December 2010 in two hospitals. Mothers' blood specimens were examined for IDA. Newborns' hematocrit, hemoglobin, ferritin, T3, T4, and TSH levels were measured in umbilical vein bloodspecimens taken at 24 hours of life.Results Mean T3, T4, and TSH levels of 40 newborns whose mothers suffered from IDA were 2.2 nmollL (SD 1.19), 8.4 ug/dL (SD 6.12), and 15.3 mIU/mL (SD 3.99), respectively. There was no significant relationship between maternal IDA duringpregnancy and infant T3 and TSH levels (P=0.96, P=0.29, respectively ). However, maternal IDA significantly correlated 'With infant T4 levels.Conclusion There was no significant relationship between maternal IDA during pregnancy and levels of T3 and TSH in newborns. However, maternal IDA significantly correlated with lower infant T4 levels.

Anemia no binômio mãe-filho no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

Prevalence of anemia and associated factors were analyzed in mothers (n = 1,022) and their children under 5 years of age (n = 1,242) in Pernambuco State, Brazil, 2006. This was a cross-sectional population-based study with a probabilistic sample in an urban and rural area. Anemia was diagnosed by hemoglobin level (children < 11.0 g/dL, women < 12.0 g/dL) using HemoCue. Univariate and multivariate analyses used Poisson regression with robust adjustment of standard error, adopting a hierarchical model for determination in children with anemia as the outcome. This same procedure was not applied to mothers because of the small number of associated factors in the univariate analyses. Anemia prevalence was 16.4% in mothers and 34.4% in children. Anemic as compared to non-anemic mothers showed a prevalence ratio of 1.44 (95%CI: 1.21-1.72) for anemia in their children, maintaining similar values in the adjusted model (PR = 1.39: 95%CI: 1.16-1.66). Anemia prevalence in children was double that of mothers, with the final model showing only one common factor: per capita family income.