Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Iron deficiency is common in pregnant women, and it causes an increased risk of premature delivery and fetal death. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency in pregnant women and find out the most common risk factors associated with anemia.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study on 52 pregnant women hospitalized in the c nutrition department. The definition of anemia as well as the objectives of the different parameters of the iron balance are retained referring to the recommendations of the world health organization.

Results: The age of our patients ranges between 21 and 36 years old. it was noted that 23% of women had a normal build before pregnancy 42% were overweight and 35% obese. Twenty-nine percent of patients were primiparous. The prevalence of anemia was 40%. Among them the anemia was mild in 76% and moderate in 24%. No severe anemia noted. The averages of hemoglobin and ferritin levels were respectively 10.26+- 1.21 g/dl and 18.23+-1.03 umol/l in anemic women and 12.34 g/dl, 33.81 umol/l in non-anemic women. Among anemic women 5% were in the 1st trimester 43% in the second trimester and 28% in the 3rd trimester. Ninety-five percent of women were symptomatic. The most common symptoms were: fatigue and dizziness in 67%, paleness and dyspnea in 62% and tachycardia in 57%. In our study a significant correlation was found between iron deficiency and personal history of prematurity (r=0.301, P=0.03), family history of anemia (r=0.437,P=0.001) and abandonment of menstruation (r=0.301, P=0.03). However, there were no significant differences with the parity of women (r=0.082, P=0.566), and the duration of menstruation (r=−0.86, P=0.566).

Conclusion: Screening for anemia in pregnant women is simple and essential to prevent its maternal and fetal consequences.