Hematologic parameters and iron state in the perinatal period

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Hematology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Iron deficiency is common in pregnancy.
• Accurate assessment of maternal iron stores is crucial for both maternal and infant health.
• Perinatal changes can affect iron metabolism and hematological parameters.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate changes in iron status and red blood cell indices in mothers before and after delivery.
• To evaluate the correlation between iron stores and infant birth weight.
• To understand the reliability of serum ferritin as an indicator of iron stores postpartum.

Main Methods:

• Studied 51 unselected mothers before and after delivery.
• Monitored serum ferritin, serum iron, serum transferrin, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red cell indices.
• Assessed iron deficiency and correlated iron stores with infant birth weight centiles.

Main Results:

• 18% of women had hemoglobin below 120 g/l at term.
• Mean transferrin saturation and serum ferritin suggested decreased iron stores at term.
• Postpartum red blood cell index changes correlated with blood loss; serum ferritin levels increased and varied widely.
• No clear relation between iron stores and infant birth weight was found.

Conclusions:

• Decreased iron stores at term are likely physiological.
• Postpartum serum ferritin levels may not accurately reflect iron stores due to potential stimulation as an acute phase reactant.
• Iron store assessment requires careful interpretation in the perinatal period.