Iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to summarize the causes, consequences, treatment, and evaluation of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnancy, focusing on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Results Summary
The study found that iron, in dietary, oral, and IV forms, effectively resolves anemia in pregnancy, with IV iron particularly beneficial in the third trimester. Modern IV iron formulations showed improved safety profiles and shorter infusion times.
Population
Pregnant individuals with iron deficiency anemia.
Effective Dosage
Oral iron with every other day dosing; IV iron dosage not specified.
Duration
Not specified.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Oral iron | increase | absorption | - | - | absorption is improved | #1 |
Oral iron | decrease | anemia | patients able to tolerate | - | is effective | #2 |
modern generations of intravenous (IV) iron | decrease | infusion times | - | - | demonstrate shorter infusion times | #3 |
modern generations of intravenous (IV) iron | increase | safety profiles | - | - | demonstrate ... improved safety profiles | #4 |
universal IV iron supplementation | decrease | anemia | beyond 34 weeks of pregnancy | - | provide consideration for | #5 |
Iron, in dietary, oral, and IV forms | decrease | anemia | in pregnancy | - | has been found effective in resolving | #6 |
IV iron | decrease | anemia | Pregnant people with IDA in the third trimester | - | are more likely to benefit from | #7 |
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Anemia in pregnancy is associated with increased maternal and neonatal morbidity. There is increasing awareness amongst obstetricians about the need to screen for iron deficiency anemia (IDA), as well as growing literature on diagnosis and treatment. This review aims to summarize causes, consequences, treatment, and evaluation of IDA in pregnancy. RECENT FINDINGS: National guidelines provide varying guidance on diagnosis and treatment of IDA in pregnancy. Serum ferritin is a helpful adjunct for the diagnosis of IDA. Oral iron remains an option for treatment; absorption is improved with every other day dosing and is effective for patients able to tolerate. Emerging studies on modern generations of intravenous (IV) iron demonstrate shorter infusion times and improved safety profiles. Notably, recent UK guidelines provide consideration for universal IV iron supplementation for treatment of anemia beyond 34 weeks of pregnancy. SUMMARY: Iron, in dietary, oral, and IV forms, has been found effective in resolving anemia in pregnancy. Pregnant people with IDA in the third trimester are more likely to benefit from IV iron. Future studies designed and powered to assess maternal and perinatal morbidity indicators and blood transfusion rates can strengthen recommendations.