ABSTRACT
Background: Anaemia is commonly found in developing countries associated with nutritional deficiencies and multiple pregnancies. Iron Deficiency Anaemia in pregnancy is a risk for preterm delivery, low birth weight babies and adverse effects on infant development. The current study investigated frequency of iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassaemia trait during antenatal check up among pregnant women visiting a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad
Objectives: To investigate iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassaemia trait among pregnant females visiting a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad
Study design, settings and duration: The retrospective comparative study was done to investigate iron deficiency anemia among pregnant females visiting a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad from May 2006 to April 2009
Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted at National Institute of Health [Department of Hematology] for Complete Blood Count and differential counts using Automated Hematology Analyzer [Sysmex KX-21]. Serum Ferritin levels were measured by Electro-chemiluminescence technique using Elcys Ferritin Kit [Roche, Germany]
Results: Among 359 subjects, 237 [66%] had iron deficiency anemia. The mean age was 27.32 +/- 4.9 years [range 18-50 years], 18 [5%] had beta thalassaemia trait and 104 [29%] had non-beta thalassaemia Trait. Forteen cases had concomitant iron deficiency anemia and beta thalassemia trait. The findings of this study indicate a relatively higher burden of iron deficiency anemia as compared to beta thalassemia trait
Conclusion: Anemia is a neglected problem which needs priority. Routine iron supplementation should be given to women of child bearing age during pregnancy and post partum. Obstetricians have an important role to aware the women of reproductive age about the iron content in a balanced diet and motivation for iron supplements