Iron deficiency and anemia in third trimester

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia is endemic around the world, being a public health problem with important socioeconomic consequences. Costa Rica is among the countries with the lowest prevalence of anemia in women of childbearing age in the region; however, it does not have statistics associated with pregnancy where it is recognized that the risk of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia increases as gestation progresses. Our institution does not have a universal screening program to ensure the adequate recruitment and treatment of patients with iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, so it is considered a common and underestimated problem.

Methodology: The present descriptive-retrospective exploratory observational study analyzes the obstetric population with iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia during the third trimester of pregnancy in order to identify epidemiologically vulnerable groups, estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, the therapeutic measures taken during pregnancy and its clinical evolution.

Results: A total of 153 patients were studied by continuous non-probabilistic sampling from data taken from the high-risk prenatal consultation of patients with a history of iron deficiency and/or iron deficiency anemia documented during the third trimester of pregnancy from January 1, 2018 to October 31, 2021 at the Hospital Dr. Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia, according to the established inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Conclusions: A high prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia was demonstrated in the population analyzed, a tendency to a higher risk of postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion and hysterectomy, a statistically significant decrease in fetal weight, and a non-significant tendency to present prematurity and need for neonatal resuscitation in newborns born to mothers with iron deficiency anemia. Although a causal relationship between iron deficiency anemia and prematurity was not demonstrated, the results of this study are consistent with those observed in similar investigations.