Screening, Treatment, and Monitoring of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy and Postpartum.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to review best practices for screening, treating, and monitoring iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy and postpartum, including maternal, fetal, and neonatal implications.
Results Summary
The study highlights the benefits of early screening for iron deficiency before anemia onset and the use of intravenous iron for faster treatment, while noting adverse gastrointestinal effects from oral supplementation that may reduce adherence. More research is needed on over-supplementation and iron deficiency without anemia.
Population
Pregnant and postpartum individuals in the United States.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
oral supplementation of elemental iron | increase | adverse gastrointestinal effects | - | - | associated with | #1 |
adverse gastrointestinal effects | decrease | adherence | - | - | can decrease | #2 |
decreased adherence | increase | subtherapeutic treatment | - | - | leading to | #3 |
early screening for iron deficiency before the onset of anemia | neutral | - | - | - | highlights the benefits of | #4 |
intravenous iron | increase | treatment of iron deficiency anemia | - | - | to expedite | #5 |
Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent form of anemia worldwide. In the United States, clinicians routinely screen for iron deficiency anemia upon initiation of prenatal care, at the start of the third trimester, and prior to birth. Treatment of iron deficiency anemia generally begins with oral supplementation of elemental iron, which is associated with adverse gastrointestinal effects. These adverse effects can decrease adherence, leading to subtherapeutic treatment. Newer evidence highlights the benefits of early screening for iron deficiency before the onset of anemia, as well as the use of intravenous iron to expedite the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. More research is needed on the potential consequences of over-supplementation and iron deficiency without anemia to guide treatment. This article reviews the evidence for best practices for screening, treatment, and continued monitoring of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy and postpartum. Maternal, fetal, and neonatal implications are reviewed, as well as the risks and benefits of treatment options. Finally, an evidence-based algorithm is proposed to guide clinicians on continued monitoring after treatment.