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Anemia in pregnancy
Kari M Horowitz1, Charles J Ingardia, Adam F Borgida
1Department of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA. khorowitz@resident.uchc.edu
Clinics in Laboratory Medicine
|May 25, 2013
Summary
Pregnancy involves hemodynamic changes and physiologic anemia due to plasma volume expansion. Iron deficiency anemia is common, treated with oral iron, while other anemias require varied treatments.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
Background:
- Pregnancy necessitates significant hemodynamic adaptations.
- Physiologic anemia of pregnancy results from disproportionate plasma volume expansion over red cell mass.
- Anemias in pregnancy are classified as microcytic, normocytic, or macrocytic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the understanding of anemias in pregnancy.
- To outline common causes, classifications, and management strategies for anemia during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pregnancy-related anemias.
- Classification of anemias based on red blood cell indices.
- Summary of established treatment protocols.
Main Results:
- Iron deficiency anemia constitutes 75% of all anemias in pregnancy.
- Oral iron supplementation is the primary treatment for iron deficiency anemia.
- Severe or refractory cases may require parenteral iron or erythropoietin.
- Other anemias necessitate diverse treatments including nutritional support, corticosteroids, transfusions, and splenectomy.
Conclusions:
- Anemia management in pregnancy is critical for maternal and fetal outcomes.
- Iron deficiency anemia is prevalent and effectively managed with oral iron.
- A tailored approach is essential for managing various types of anemia during pregnancy.
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