Iron stores in pregnant patients with anaemia and haemoglobin S

Marrow aspiration in 22 pregnant women with haemoglobin S revealed a high incidence of iron deficiency. Eighteen patients showed depleted iron stores while depots were adequate in four patients. The practice of denying iron to pregnant women with haemoglobinopathies is not recommended; nor is the use of prophylactic iron in all patients with sickle cell disease or trait advised. It is suggested that it is better to diagnose and treat the iron deficiency specifically.