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Author Spotlight: Developing a Point-of-Care Hemoglobin Estimation Method for Anemia Management
Published on: January 19, 2024
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Anemia In Pregnancy: Examining Missed Diagnoses and Racial Disparities in the Upper Midwest.
Tess L Weber1, Aarabhi Gurumoorthy1, Kari A Bates1
1Behavioral Sciences Group, Sanford Research, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Summary
Anemia in pregnancy (AIP) affects nearly half of pregnant individuals, with higher rates in AI/AN and Black patients. Many cases go undiagnosed, indicating a need for better screening and electronic health record data.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Public Health
Background:
- Anemia in pregnancy (AIP) is linked to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
- Global prevalence of AIP ranges from 44-53%, with significant variations based on demographics.
- Current screening and treatment protocols for AIP remain subjects of debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively review electronic medical records (EMR) to assess the prevalence of AIP.
- To identify racial and ethnic disparities in AIP diagnosis and prevalence.
- To evaluate the accuracy of anemia diagnosis within EMR systems.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of EMR data from 35,498 pregnant patients over three years (2018-2020).
- AIP defined by diagnostic codes or laboratory values (hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin) during pregnancy.
- Missed diagnosis defined as laboratory-confirmed anemia without an EMR diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Overall AIP prevalence was 42.9%.
- AI/AN (58.3%) and Black/African American (55.1%) patients had higher anemia rates than White patients (40.0%).
- 81.1% of patients with confirmed anemia lacked an EMR diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Significant racial and ethnic disparities in AIP prevalence exist in the upper Midwest.
- A substantial proportion of anemia cases in pregnancy are not accurately diagnosed in EMR.
- Improved data integrity and diagnostic practices in EMR are crucial for effective AIP management.
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