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Fetal iron status in maternal anemia
P N Singla1, M Tyagi, R Shankar
1Pediatric Hematology Unit, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Maternal anemia during pregnancy leads to reduced iron for the fetus. Infants born to anemic mothers have lower iron stores at birth, impacting their iron endowment.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Hematology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Iron deficiency anemia is a common complication during pregnancy.
- Maternal iron status significantly influences fetal development and iron stores.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of maternal anemia on fetal iron status.
- To assess the relationship between maternal iron parameters and cord blood iron levels.
Main Methods:
- Paired maternal and cord blood samples were collected from pregnant women at term.
- Measurements included hemoglobin, serum iron, transferrin saturation, and ferritin.
- Participants were categorized into anemic and non-anemic groups based on hemoglobin levels.
Main Results:
- Anemic mothers had significantly lower cord blood hemoglobin, iron, transferrin saturation, and ferritin.
- Fetal iron extraction was proportional to maternal hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels.
- Infants of mothers with moderate to severe anemia exhibited lower cord serum ferritin, indicating poorer iron stores.
Conclusions:
- Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy adversely affects the infant's iron endowment at birth.
- Adequate maternal iron supply is crucial for optimal fetal iron accretion.
- This highlights the importance of managing anemia during pregnancy for infant health.