Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload
05:23

Continuous Manual Exchange Transfusion for Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: An Efficient Method to Avoid Iron Overload

Published on: March 14, 2017

Thalassaemia, iron, and pregnancy

U M Hegde, S Khunda, G W MArsh

    British Medical Journal
    |August 30, 1975
    PubMed

    Haematological values of 35 pregnant women with beta-thalassaemia trait were followed during pregnancy. The discriminant function, calculated from haematological indices, was of no value in diagnosing beta-thalassaemia trait during pregnancy. Initially patients were given iron supplements only if the serum iron and total iron binding capacity levels indicated iron deficiency, but bone marrow biopsies performed in the first 22 patients at 32 weeks indicated deficient iron stores. These patients were therefore given iron irrespective of their serum iron level. All subsequent patients with beta-thalassaemia were also put on iron routinely at booking. Retrospectively the patients were divided into two groups. Patients in group 1 (18 patients) had received iron for less than 12 weeks, and their haemoglobin levels fell significantly during pregnancy (P less than 0-001). Haemoglobin levels in 16 patients who had received iron for more than 12 weeks (group 2), however, did not fall significantly during pregnancy (P less than 0-6). It is suggested (contrary to common practice) that patients with beta-thalassaemia trait should be given iron supplements during pregnancy. Serum folate and vitamin B12 levels did not change significantly in these patients and there was no increase in the incidence of maternal or fetal complications.

    More Related Videos

    Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes08:45

    Quantitating Iron Transport Across the Mouse Placenta In Vivo Using Nonradioactive Iron Isotopes

    Published on: May 10, 2022

    Measurement of Tissue Non-Heme Iron Content using a Bathophenanthroline-Based Colorimetric Assay05:08

    Measurement of Tissue Non-Heme Iron Content using a Bathophenanthroline-Based Colorimetric Assay

    Published on: January 31, 2022

    Related Concept Videos

    Translation01:31

    Translation

    Lesson: Translation
    Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
    Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
    Translation01:31

    Translation

    Lesson: Translation
    Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from the genetic information carried by messenger RNA (mRNA). Following transcription, it constitutes the final step in the expression of genes. This process is carried out by ribosomes, complexes of protein and specialized RNA molecules. Ribosomes, transfer RNA (tRNA), and other proteins produce a chain of amino acids—the polypeptide—as the end product of translation.
    Translation Produces the Building Blocks of Life
    Teratogenicity01:07

    Teratogenicity

    The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
    Disorders of Erythrocytes01:27

    Disorders of Erythrocytes

    Disorders of erythrocytes, or red blood cells (RBCs), include a range of conditions affecting their number, shape, or function.
    Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
    A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
    On the other...
    Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis01:24

    Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis

    The cardiovascular system regulates the number of erythrocytes in the bloodstream to ensure optimal oxygen transport. It also prevents over-proliferation of these cells, which helps to maintain blood viscosity and flow rate.
    Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
    EPO then...
    Minerals01:26

    Minerals

    Minerals are essential nutrients that the human body needs in small amounts to work properly. They play a vital role in many bodily functions, such as building strong bones and transmitting nerve impulses. Some minerals are needed for hormone production or to maintain a normal heartbeat. Major minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium, while trace minerals include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride, and selenium.