Effect of folate supplement on pregnant women with beta-thalassaemia minor

The effect of folate supplement on the haemoglobin concentration and outcome of pregnancy was studied in a group of Chinese women with uncomplicated beta-thalassaemia minor who delivered in our hospital between 1984-1987. The patients who received 5 mg folate daily showed a significant increase in the predelivery haemoglobin concentration, which was significantly higher than that in patients who received 0.25 mg daily. When the effect of parity was analysed we found that: multiparas were significantly older, had lower haemoglobin before delivery, and more of them required transfusion. Folate 5 mg daily significantly increased the predelivery haemoglobin concentration in both nulliparas and multiparas. It is concluded that folate 5 mg daily improves the haemoglobin concentration in pregnant women with beta-thalassaemia minor and that this should be prescribed.