Prevention and treatment of iron deficiency in pregnancy

Abstract

I.V. Bakhareva Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation Background: iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common complications of pregnancy which requires early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Aim: to assess the efficacy and safety of Ferretab comp. containing ferrous fumarate and folic acid in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy to prevent and to treat anemia in order to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes. Patients and Methods: clinical and laboratory tests were performed in 90 women in their second trimester of pregnancy (13–27 weeks). Group I included 30 women with normal hematological and ferrokinetic parameters. Group II included 30 women with latent iron deficiency (inclusion criteria were Hb>110 g/L and serum ferritin <30 μg/L). Group III included 30 women with verified anemia (inclusion criteria were Hb<110 g/L, serum ferritin <20 μg/L, and Fe<12.5 μmol/L). In group I and II, one capsule (iron 50 mg and folic acid 500 μg) of Ferretab comp. daily for 2 months was prescribed. In group III, two capsules of Ferretab comp. once a day for 2 months were prescribed. After 2 months of the treatment, clinical and laboratory tests were performed. Results: Ferretab comp. (1 capsule, 50 mg iron) prevents latent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in healthy women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Early treatment of latent iron deficiency with Ferretab comp. (1 capsule daily) prevent iron deficiency anemia and associated complications of pregnancy. In mild iron deficiency anemia, 2 capsules of Ferretab comp. (100 mg iron daily) are prescribed. After 2 months of the treatment, both clinical and hematological improvement is reported. Conclusion: prevention and treatment of iron deficiency with iron supplementations are required. Ferrous fumarate and folic acid (Ferretab comp.) should be prescribed in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Keywords: iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, pregnancy, iron supplementations, ferrous fumarate, folic acid, Ferretab comp. For citation: Bakhareva I.V. Prevention and treatment of iron deficiency in pregnancy. Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2019;2(3):219–224.