The association between intravenous iron for antenatal anemia and postnatal depression: a retrospective cohort study

Determine if intravenous iron for antenatal anemia is associated with reduced incidence of postnatal depression (PND) within 12 months.

This retrospective cohort study included adult women with antenatal anemia (hemoglobin value of < 11.0 g/dL within 3 months before delivery). PND was defined as Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) ≥ 10. Data on intravenous iron, lowest hemoglobin concentration, EPDS and PHQ-9 scores, insurance status, history of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and substance use, obstetric complications, labor analgesia, and mode of delivery were obtained. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was estimated and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed with adjustment for potential confounders with absolute SMD of ≥ 0.1.

Data from 3988 women were analyzed. The 368 (9.2%) women who received intravenous iron therapy had lower antenatal hemoglobin levels, were more likely to be African American or single/widowed women, and more commonly had  Medicaid coverage, repeat cesarean delivery, and history of depression compared to those who did not receive intravenous iron therapy. Unadjusted analysis showed women who received intravenous iron had higher incidence of PND (18.5%) than those who did not (13.4%) (p = 0.008). Multivariable analysis showed no significant association between intravenous iron and PND incidence (aOR 1.21, 95%CI 0.89-1.63, p = 0.232), although history of depression (aOR 2.42, 95%CI 1.91-3.08, p < 0.001), higher gravidity (aOR 1.09, 95%CI 1.02-1.17, p = 0.016), and Medicaid insurance (aOR 1.44, 95%CI 1.16-1.80, p = 0.001) were independently associated with PND.

Intravenous iron for antenatal anemia was not associated with significant change in the incidence of PND.