The impact of iron deficiency correction in pregnant women on the perinatal period and children’s health status

Purpose. To identify the effects of gestational iron deficiency anemia after treatment with iron-containing drugs  during the perinatal period on the health status of full-term children during their 1st year of life.

Patients and methods.The authors carried out a prospective observational cohort study of full-term infants of I & II health group from their birth to twelve months. The course of pregnancy and labor was analyzed retrospectively. Hemoglobin, serum ferritin and C-reactive protein were measured in the six and twelve months old children and their mothers in 6 months after giving birth. We examined 140 couples of mother-child with gestational anemia (Group 1) and 166 couples without anemia during pregnancy (Group 2) in 6 months after giving birth, and in 12 months – 103 and 131 couples respectively. All women with iron deficiency anemia (Group 1) received therapy during pregnancy.

Results. Gestational anemia is associated with threatened miscarriage (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.496; 95% CI 2.013–6.072), chronic placental insufficiency (OR 1.907; 95% CI 1.025–3.548), delivery by cesarean section (OR 2.729; 95% CI 1.651–4.502), increased infectious morbidity in pregnant women (OR 1.079; 95% CI 1.025–3.548) and insufficient lactation (OR 1.990; 95% CI 1.209– 3.277). Treated anemia during pregnancy is not associated with low birth weight and low weight of 6 and 12 months old children. 8.6% of 6 months old children suffered from iron deficiency anemia, which is two times lower than in the group without anemia (p=0.007). The frequency of iron deficiency anemia did not differ in 12 months old children (р=0.543).

Conclusion: Iron supplementation reduces the negative impact of anemia on child’s health, including anthropometric indicators, iron stores, and risk of infectious diseases. The indirect effect is maintained through the adverse course of the perinatal period and the low duration of lactation. 

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