Oral Iron Supplementation in Pregnancy: Current Recommendations and Evidence-Based Medicine Suplementação oral de ferro na gravidez: recomendações atuais e medicina baseada na evidência

Abstract Objective To review the evidence about universal iron supplementation in pregnancy to prevent maternal anemia. Methods Bibliographic research of randomized and controlled clinical trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines, published between August 2009 and August 2019, using the MeSH terms: iron; therapeutic use; pregnancy; anemia, prevention and control. Results We included six clinical guidelines, three meta-analyses and one randomized controlled clinical trial. Discussion Most articles point to the improvement of hematological parameters and reduction of maternal anemia risk, with supplementary iron. However, they do not correlate this improvement in pregnant women without previous anemia with the eventual improvement of clinical parameters. Conclusion Universal iron supplementation in pregnancy is controversial, so we attribute a SORT C recommendation strength.

Resumo Objetivo Rever a evidência sobre a necessidade de suplementação universal de ferro na gravidez para prevenção de anemia materna. Métodos Pesquisa bibliográfica de ensaios clínicos aleatorizados e controlados, metanálises, revisões sistemáticas e normas de orientação clínica, publicados entre agosto de 2009 e agosto de 2019, utilizando os termos MeSH: iron, terapêuticas use; pregnancy; anemia, preventivos and control. Resultados Incluímos seis normas de orientação clínica, três metanálises e um ensaio clínico randomizado e controlado. Discussão A maioria dos artigos aponta para a melhoria dos parâmetros hematológicos e redução do risco de anemia materna por meio da suplementação com ferro. Conclusões A suplementação universal com ferro na gravidez é controversa, pelo que atribuímos uma força de recomendação SORT C.

Thromboprophylaxis during the pregnancy-puerperal cycle - literature review / Tromboprofilaxia no ciclo gravídico-puerperal - revisão da literatura

Abstract Objective To identify current strategies and recommendations for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis associated with the pregnancy-puerperal cycle, a condition of high morbidity and mortality among women. Methods The literature search was performed between May and October 2019, using the PubMed database, including papers published in Portuguese, English and Spanish. The terms thromboembolism (Mesh) AND pregnancy (Mesh) OR postpartum (Mesh) were used as descriptors, including randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews and guidelines published from 2009 to 2019, presenting strategies for prevention of thromboembolism during pregnancy and the postpartum. Results Eight articles met the inclusion criteria. Many studies evaluated were excluded because they did not address prevention strategies. We compiled the recommendations from the American Society of Hematologists, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, the American College of Chest Physicians and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Conclusion: There are some gaps in the research, and clinical studies with appropriate methodology are needed to support decisions made regarding the risk of thromboembolism in the perigestational period. Thus, the attention of the professionals involved in the care of pregnant and postpartum women is crucial, as it is a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Resumo Objetivo Identificar as estratégias e recomendações atuais para profilaxia de tromboembolismo venoso associado ao ciclo gravídico-puerperal, condição de alta morbimortalidade entre mulheres. Métodos A busca na literatura ocorreu entre maio e outubro de 2019, com pesquisa na base de dados do PubMed, contemplando trabalhos publicados nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. Os termos thromboembolism (Mesh) AND pregnancy (Mesh) OR postpartum (Mesh) foram utilizados como descritores, incluindo ensaios clínicos randomizados, metanálises, revisões sistemáticas e diretrizes publicadas entre 2009 a 20019, apresentando estratégias de prevenção de tromboembolismo venoso durante a gravidez e o pós-parto. Resultados Oito artigos abordando estratégias de tromboprofilaxia primária e secundária durante a gestação, parto e puerpério foram selecionados para a presente revisão sistemática. Muitos estudos avaliados foram excluídos por não abordarem estratégias de prevenção. Foram compiladas as recomendações das seguintes sociedades: American Society of Hematologists, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, American College of Chest Physicians e Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Conclusão Até o presente momento, há algumas lacunas e estudos clínicos com metodologia adequada se fazem necessários para respaldar a tomada de decisão frente ao risco de tromboembolismo venoso no período perigestacional. Torna-se fundamental a atenção dos profissionais envolvidos no atendimento às gestantes e puérperas, pois trata-se de uma condição associada a alta morbimortalidade.

PTI y embarazo: una experiencia con rituximab / ITP and pregnancy: an experience with rituximab

El Púrpura Trombocitopénico Idiopático (PTI) es una patología asociada a una de cada 500 a 1000 gestantes. Su reconocimiento oportuno y adecuado manejo durante el embarazo, permite reducir la morbimortalidad tanto materna como fetal. Los corticoides como tratamiento de primera línea para PTI en embarazadas, es igual que en población general, con respuestas observadas entre el 5° y 7° día, alcanzando un 50 - 60% de éxito. El caso que presentamos se trata de una gestante en el 2° trimestre tardío con PTI refractario al tratamiento con corticoides, con muy bajos niveles de plaquetas y alto riesgo de hemorragia, por lo cual se decide el uso de Rituximab, un anticuerpo monoclonal (categoría C de la FDA) con escasa prescripción en el embarazo. Exponemos nuestra experiencia en este caso.

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ( ITP) is a condition associated with each 500-1000 pregnancies . Its early recognition and proper management during pregnancy, can reduce both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Corticosteroids as first-line treatment for ITP in pregnant women is the same as in the general population, with responses observed between the 5th and 7th day, approximately 50-60 % of patients respond favorably. The case presented is a pregnant patient in the 2th trimester with refractory ITP treatment with corticosteroids, very low levels of platelets and high risk of bleeding so the use of Rituximab is decided, a monoclonal antibody (category C FDA) with little prescription in pregnancy. We describe our experience in this case.

Iron supplementation among pregnant women: results from a population-based survey study / Suplementacao com sulfato ferroso entre gestantes: resultados de estudo transversal de base populacional

Objectives: To measure the prevalence and risk factors associated with iron supplementation among pregnant women in the municipality of Rio Grande, Southern Brazil. Methods: All mothers living in this municipality who had children in 2007 were surveyed for demographic, socioeconomic and health care received during pregnancy and childbirth. The statistical analysis consisted of Poisson regression with robust adjustment of variance, and the measure of effect was prevalence ratio (PR). Results: Among the 2,557 mothers interviewed (99% of total), 59% were supplemented with iron during pregnancy period. After adjusting for various confounding factors, a higher PR to iron supplementation was observed among teenagers, women with black skin color, primigravidae, who had six or more antenatal visits, who performed prenatal care in public sector and received vitamin during pregnancy. Conclusion: There is a clear need to increase the iron supplementation coverage of all pregnant women, especially among those currently considered with low gestational risk. .

Objetivos: Medir a prevalência e identificar fatores associados à suplementação com sulfato ferroso entre gestantes residentes no município de Rio Grande, RS. Métodos: Mães residentes neste município que tiveram filho em 2007 foram investigadas quanto a características demográficas, nível socioeconômico e assistência recebida durante a gestação e o parto. Na análise estatística, foi utilizada regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância, e a medida de efeito foi razão de prevalências (RP). Resultados: Dentre as 2.557 mães entrevistadas (99% do total), 59% foram suplementadas com sulfato ferroso durante a gestação. Após análise ajustando para diversos fatores de confusão, mostraram maior RP à suplementação com sulfato ferroso as gestantes adolescentes, de cor da pele preta, primigestas, que realizaram seis ou mais consultas de pré-natal, que fizeram essas consultas na rede pública e que receberam complexo vitamínico durante a gestação. Conclusão: Há evidente necessidade de aumentar a cobertura da suplementação com sulfato ferroso entre todas as gestantes, sobretudo entre aquelas tidas, em geral, como de menor risco gestacional. .

Eficácia de intervenção com enoxaparina baseada em sistema de pontuação nos desfechos perinatais de gestantes com trombofilias / Usefulness of a scoring system on perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with thrombophilia in the effectiveness of an enoxaparin-based intervention

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a intervenção com heparina de baixo peso molecular (HBPM) - enoxaparina sódica - foi eficaz na melhora dos desfechos perinatais de mulheres com trombofillias com base em sistema de pontuação. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, não randomizado, não controlado, realizado em um Ambulatório de Gestação de Alto Risco, durante o período de novembro de 2009 a novembro de 2011. Foram incluídas gestantes com diagnóstico e intervenção terapêutica para trombofilias adquiridas e/ou hereditárias na gestação atual. Os dados obstétricos e perinatais das gestantes anteriores à intervenção foram comparados com os desfechos subsequentes à intervenção, sendo analisados estatisticamente através do teste do χ², com correção de Yates, considerando significativos quando p<0,05. A dosagem inicial de HBPM foi norteada por sistema de pontuação, baseado no histórico clínico e gestacional das pacientes, além de exames de rastreamento de trombofilias adquiridas e/ou hereditárias. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídas 84 mulheres grávidas com 175 gestações anteriores ao diagnóstico, das quais 20,0% resultaram em morte fetal ou perinatal, 40,0% resultaram em abortamento, 17,7% desenvolveram pré-eclâmpsia ou eclâmpsia, 10,3% foram partos a termo e 29,7% partos pré-termo. Nas 84 gestações após a intervenção, 6,0% resultaram em morte fetal ou perinatal, 1,2% em abortamento, 4,8% desenvolveram pré-eclâmpsia/eclâmpsia, 22,6% em parto prematuro e 70,2% parto a termo. Observou-se redução significativa na taxa de óbito fetal ou perinatal (p<0,05) e abortos (p<0,0001), e aumento significativo (p<0,05) no número de nascidos vivos após a intervenção. CONCLUSÃO: A intervenção baseada na enoxaparina utilizando um sistema de pontuação em gestantes com trombofilia mostrou-se eficaz na melhora do desfecho perinatal.

PURPOSES: To assess whether an enoxaparin-based intervention using a score system was effective in improving perinatal outcome in women with thrombophilia. METHODS: Study Design: Prospective, not randomized, uncontrolled, performed at a Clinic of High-Risk Pregnancy from November 2009 to November 2011. We included women with a diagnosis and therapeutic intervention for thrombophilia acquired and/or inherited in the current pregnancy. The obstetric and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women before the intervention were compared with outcomes after the intervention, and statistically analyzed using the χ2 test with Yates correction, considered significant when p<0.05. The initial dose of low-molecular-weight Heparin (LMWH) was guided by a scoring system based on the clinical and gestational history of the patients and screening tests for acquired and/or inherited thrombophilia. RESULTS: We included 84 pregnant women with 175 pregnancies before diagnosis, 20.0% of which resulted in fetal ou perinatal death, 40.0% resulted in abortion, 17.7% developed preeclampsia/eclampsia, 10.3% resulted in full-term births, and 29.7% in premature births. In the 84 pregnancies after intervention, 6.0% resulted in fetal ou perinatal death, 1.2% in abortion, 4.8% developed preeclampsia/eclampsia, 22.6% resulted in premature birth, and 70.2% in full-term birth. A significant reduction in the rate of stillbirths/perinatal death (p<0.05) and abortion (p<0.0001) and a significant increase (p<0.05) in the number of live births were observed after intervention. CONCLUSION: Enoxaparin-based intervention using a score system in pregnant women with thrombophilia is effective in improving perinatal outcome.

Comparison of Oral and Intravenous Iron for Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Pregnancy.

Oral iron supplementation is standard obstetrical practice. But programmes of anaemia prophylaxis based on oral iron supplementation still remain a failure. Whether or not there is need for parenteral iron may be debated. Parenteral iron is indicated when oral iron supplementation is not possible or fails. Intravenous iron could be a good alternative in pregnant women to ensure compliance. Many workers have shown that parenteral iron therapy supplies enough iron for erythropoiesis. Therefore, In the present review, we assessed oral iron supplementation with intravenous (IV) iron sucrose in the management of iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy. Intravenous iron sucrose appears a good alternative to oral iron in patients who are either intolerant to oral iron or are non compliant and may also reduce the incidence of blood transfusion and its associated risks.

Uso de hierro en forma de medicamento en gestantes colombianas / Pregnant Colombian females' iron in take in drug form

Objetivo Caracterizar el consumo de hierro en forma de medicamento en un grupo de embarazadas colombianas. Metodología Estudio observacional descriptivo, se obtuvo información de mujeres en control prenatal y/o atención del parto en 4 ciudades de Colombia. Las fuentes de información fueron entrevistas a gestantes y registros de historia clínica. Resultados La muestra fue de 1 637 mujeres en 15 instituciones. A 1 396 mujeres (85,3 %) les recomendaron consumir hierro, recomendación realizada por médico al 85,3 % de ellas, el 86,8 % tuvo adherencia al tratamiento. Al 84,7 % el hierro fue suministrado por la empresa aseguradora de salud, el 11,9 % lo compró a sus expensas. El 90,0 % de gestantes anémicas y el 82,8 % de las no anémicas consumieron hierro en forma de medicamento, en conjunto, en el 37,2 % de las gestantes el consumo de suplencia de hierro fue pertinente (es decir, lo necesitaban, se les recomendó y lo consumieron o no le necesitaban, no se recomendó y/o no lo consumieron). Discusión Se recomienda y se consume hierro independientemente de presentar anemia. Se invita a reflexionar sobre la utilidad de los programas que promueven el consumo masivo de esta sustancia en forma de medicamento durante el embarazo, programas que parecen desconocer las causas fundamentales de los problemas nutricionales que aquejan a la población.

Objective Describing a group of pregnant Colombian females' iron intake, in drug form. Methodology This was an observational descriptive study; information was collected in 4 Colombian cities regarding pregnant females during antenatal control or when giving birth. Information sources consisted of interviews with pregnant women and their clinical records. Results The sample consisted of 1,637 female sat tending 15 institutions. An iron intake was recommended for1, 396 women (85.3 %); a doctor made such recommendation in 85.3 % of cases and adherence was 86.8 %. Health insurance was used by 84.7 % of the females for supplying iron; 11.9 % of them bought it themselves. Iron intake as medication for anemic pregnant females was 90.0 % and 82.8 % in non-anemic ones. Iron intake supply was appropriate in 37.2 % of the pregnant females (i.e. they needed it, someone recommended it for them and they consumed it, or they didn't need it, someone didn't recommend it to them and/or they did not take it). Discussion Iron intake was recommended and consumed regardless of anemia status. The results invite to think on the usefulness of programs promoting the mass intake of iron as a medication during pregnancy. Such programs seem to be unaware of the fundamental causes of people's nutritional problems.

Reflexiones médicas a propósito de un caso de tromboembolia pulmonar en el embarazo / Medical reflections on a case of pulmonary thromboembolism in pregnancy

La mortalidad materna en el mundo es aún alta. La tromboembolia pulmonar como causa de muerte ocupa el segundo lugar en países desarrollados. En Latinoamérica, la frecuencia informada es de 0.6%, lo cual contrasta con la señalada para países desarrollados (14.9%). Esta diferencia puede estar relacionada a sesgos de información. Por tal motivo se revisó la información actual del tema y presentamos un breve caso clínico de una mujer quien presentó evento de tromboembolia pulmonar en la semana 30 del embarazo; el manejo adecuado de la misma, permitió la supervivencia materna y fetal.

Maternal mortality is still high in the world. Pulmonary thromboembolism as a cause of death is the second in developed countries. The frequency of reported events in Latin-American is 0.6%, which contrasts with that reported for developed countries (14.9%). This difference may be related to information bias. A review of the current information about this topic is presented, and we report a short case of a pregnant woman who presented pulmonary thromboembolism event at 30 weeks of pregnancy. Appropriate therapy allowed maternal and fetal survival.

Hemodiálisis y embarazo: aspectos técnicos / Hemodialysis and pregnancy: technical aspects

La hemodiálisis es el método de primera elección para sustituir la función renal en mujeres con insuficiencia renal crónica o aguda durante el embarazo o posparto. Las complicaciones perinatales son frecuentes, sin embargo, el conocimiento de la adecuación de la técnica en el tratamiento médico de las pacientes puede contribuir a la reducción de su presentación y mejorar los resultados perinatales. El objetivo de esta investigación fue revisar la técnica y prescripción médica de la hemodiálisis en la mujer durante el embarazo o posparto. Este tipo de enfermas debe atenderse en un centro de alta especialidad. Se recomienda la hemodiálisis intensa incrementando la frecuencia y duración de las sesiones, utilizar aparatos que manejan altos flujos de sangre y líquido de diálisis, filtros nuevos, microdosis de heparina y limitar la ultrafiltración para evitar cambios hemodinámicos, hidroelectrolíticos, metabólicos, hemorragia obstétrica o parto pretérmino. El objetivo es mantener un estado clínico satisfactorio y niveles sanguíneos maternos de nitrógeno de la urea ≤ 80 mg/dl y creatinina 5 a 7 mg/dl para favorecer el crecimiento y desarrollo fetales. El tratamiento farmacológico rutinario debe continuarse, ajustando el número de medicamentos y su dosis de manera individual. El conocimiento de la técnica de hemodiálisis y su prescripción pueden contribuir a lograr mejores resultados perinatales.

Hemodialysis is the gold standard for substitution of renal function in women with chronic or acute renal insufficiency during pregnancy or during the postpartum period. Perinatal complications are frequent. Recognition of appropriate techniques in medical treatment of patients will contribute to decrease its incidence and allow better perinatal results. We undertook this study to review the techniques and medical indications of hemodialysis in pregnant and postpartum patients. This condition requires care in a high-specialty medical center. We recommend incremental increases in intensity and frequency and duration of treatments, use of equipment to manage fluctuations in blood and dialysis fluids, new filters, microdose of heparin and limiting ultrafiltration to avoid hemodynamic, electrolytic, and metabolic alterations, obstetrical hemorrhage or premature delivery. The objective is to maintain a satisfactory clinical status and maternal blood, urea, nitrogen (BUN) levels =80 mg/dl and creatinine 5-7 mg/dl for opportune fetal development and birth. Routine pharmacological treatment should continually be individually adjusted as to number of medications and dosage. Recognition of hemodialysis techniques and indications will contribute to obtaining improved perinatal results.

Adherence and side effects of three ferrous sulfate treatment regimens on anemic pregnant women in clinical trials / Adesão e efeitos colaterais em ensaio clínico comparando três esquemas de tratamento com sulfato ferroso em gestantes anêmicas

The objective of this study was to analyze adherence and side effects of three iron supplement regimens (ferrous sulfate) on anemic pregnant women. The clinical trial involved 150 women between the 16th and 20th gestational weeks, at low obstetric risk and with hemoglobin concentration of between 8.0 and 11.0g/dL. Treatment was provided by ferrous sulfate with 60mg of elemental iron during 16 (± 1) weeks, in three regimens: single tablet a week (n = 48); single tablet twice a week (n = 53) or single tablet a day (n = 49). The outcomes were adherence, assessed through interviews and by counting tablets, and side effects, according to patient information. The adherence showed a declining trend (92 percent, 83 percent and 71 percent; p = 0.010) and the side effects revealed a growing trend (40 percent, 45 percent and 71 percent; p = 0.002) as the dosage increased. Diarrhea and epigastric pain were significantly associated with the dose administered (p = 0.002). These results suggest that in anemic pregnant women, complaints are directly proportional and the compliance is inversely proportional to the amount of medicinal iron.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a adesão e os efeitos colaterais de três esquemas de suplementação com sulfato ferroso em gestantes anêmicas. O ensaio clínico incluiu 150 mulheres entre a 16ª e 20ª semanas de gestação, de baixo risco obstétrico e com concentração de hemoglobina entre 8,0 e 11,0g/dL. A intervenção foi realizada com 60mg de ferro elementar, durante 16 (±1) semanas, em três esquemas: uma drágea semanal (n = 48); uma drágea duas vezes por semana (n = 53) ou uma drágea diariamente (n = 49). Os desfechos foram adesão, verificada por entrevista e contagem das drágeas, e efeitos colaterais auto-relatados pelas pacientes. A adesão apresentou tendência declinante (92 por cento, 83 por cento e 71 por cento; p = 0,010) e os efeitos colaterais, ascendente (40 por cento, 45 por cento e 71 por cento; p = 0,002) com o aumento da dose prescrita. Diarréia e dor epigástrica estiveram significativamente associadas à dose administrada (p = 0,002). Os resultados sugerem que em gestantes anêmicas as queixas e a adesão ao tratamento com sulfato ferroso são, respectivamente, direta e inversamente proporcionais à quantidade do ferro medicamentoso.

Efficacy and safety of total dose infusion of low molecular weight iron dextran in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy

To determine the efficacy and safety of Total Dose Infusion [TDI] of low molecular weight iron dextran for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia compared to oral iron replacement during pregnancy through improvement in hemoglobin [Hb] after intervention. Non-randomized control trial. Section of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shifa International Hospital and Shifa Community Health Centre, Islamabad during January 2005 to January 2006. A group of 100 pregnant women with gestational age greater than 12 weeks with confirmed diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia attending the antenatal clinics were enrolled in this study. Total dose iron infusion of low molecular iron dextran was given to these patients after calculating iron deficit, in a monitored in-patient setting. Control comprised of a second group of 50 pregnant females matched for age, parity and baseline hemoglobin, tolerant to oral iron supplementation [ferrous sulphate 200 mg three times a day] attending the antenatal clinics during the same period. Post-treatment hemoglobin levels of study group as well as the oral control group were determined between 3 to 4 weeks. In the intervention group, mean pre-infusion hemoglobin level was 8.57 +/- 0.9 gm/dl [range 5-10.5gm/dl] and mean post-infusion Hb was 11.0 +/- 1.1 [range 8.4-14. 3 gm/dl]. In control group, mean pre-oral intake Hb level was 9.5 +/- 0.9 gm/dl [range 7-1 0.5 gm/dl] and mean post-oral intake Hb was 10.2 +/- 1.2 gm/dl [range 6.4-1 2.8 gm/dl]. Mean increase of Hb in intervention group was 2.43 gm/dl [95% Cl 2.4 - 3.8] and for controls it was 0.7 gm/dl [95% Cl 0.6-2.3]. Flushing and palpitations were observed in 4% of interventional group patients and none in the control group. No significant adverse reactions were observed in either group. We conclude that the total parenteral iron replacement with low molecular weight iron dextran is an effective and safe method for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in a selected group of pregnant women

A randomised double-blind study comparing sodium feredetate with ferrous fumarate in anaemia in pregnancy.

Iron deficiency anaemia is a major health problem in India especially in women of reproductive age group. The World Health Organisation recommends that the haemoglobin concentration should not fall below 11.0 g/dl at any time during pregnancy. The aim of study was to compare the efficacy and safety of two doses of sodium feredetate with ferrous fumarate in improving haemoglobin profile in pregnant anaemic women. Pregnant women with gestation period between 12 and 26 weeks having serum haemoglobin < 10 g/dl, serum ferritin levels less than 12 microg/l were included in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups and drugs administered accordingly. A total of 48 patients were available for analysis which included 37 patients who had completed all the visits up to 75 days follow-up and 11 patients who were treatment failures. In group A combination of sodium feredetate (containing 33 mg of elemental iron) along with vitamin B12 (15 microg) and folic acid (1.5 mg) was administered twice a day. In group B combination of sodium feredetate (containing 66 mg of elemental iron) along with vitamin B12 (15 microg) and folic acid (1.5 mg) was administered twice a day. In group C combination of ferrous fumarate (containing 100 mg of elemental iron) along with vitamin B12 (15 microg) and folic acid (1.5 mg) was administered twice a day. Patients were evaluated for Hb, RBC count, MCV, MCH and MCHC at day 0, 30, 45, 60 and 75. Serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC and transferrin saturation were assessed at recruitment and end study. Mean rise of haemoglobin at the completion of study, over that of basal values was 1.79 g/dl (0.71 to 2.87, 95% CI, p < 0.05) in group A, 1.84 g/dl (0.82 to 2.86, 95% CI, p < 0.05) in group B and 1.63 g/dl (0.38 to 2.88, 95% CI, p < 0.05) in group C. Safety assessment was done by doing liver and kidney function test at the time of recruitment and end study. Low doses of sodium feredetate (33 mg and 66 mg of elemental iron given twice daily) produce comparable results as higher dose of ferrous fumarate (100 mg elemental iron given twice daily). As there were no adverse effects reported with sodium feredetate, it can be concluded from this study that this new formulation appears to be effective in improving haemoglobin profile in pregnant anaemic women and is tolerated well.

Efetividade de três esquemas com sulfato ferroso para tratamento de anemia em gestantes / The effectiveness of three regimens using ferrous sulfate to treat anemia in pregnant women

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a efetividade de três esquemas de tratamento utilizando sulfato ferroso em gestantes anêmicas. MÉTODOS: O estudo foi desenvolvido no Centro de Atenção à Mulher do Instituto Materno Infantil de Pernambuco, em Recife, no período de maio de 2000 a dezembro de 2001. Realizou-se um ensaio clínico, aleatório e cego do ponto de vista laboratorial, utilizando comprimidos de 300 mg de sulfato ferroso para administração de 60 mg de ferro elementar. As gestantes foram alocadas em três grupos de tratamento, conforme a freqüência de administração do ferro: uma vez por semana (n =48); duas vezes por semana (n =53); e uma vez ao dia (n =49). Foram comparadas as concentrações de hemoglobina, volume corpuscular médio e ferritina. RESULTADOS: Antes da intervenção, os grupos eram homogêneos e apresentaram as seguintes médias e desvios-padrão nas concentrações de hemoglobina: 10,2 ± 0,5 g/dL para o grupo que recebeu sulfato ferroso uma vez por semana; 10,2 ± 0,6 g/dL para o grupo que recebeu sulfato ferroso duas vezes por semana; e 10,1 ± 0,6 g/dL para o grupo que recebeu sulfato ferroso uma vez ao dia. As médias de volume corpuscular médio foram, respectivamente: 88,5 ± 5,0; 87,6 ± 5,9; e 88,7 ± 5,1 fL. As medianas de ferritina foram 30,2; 37,1; e 52,9 ng/mL. Houve 27 por cento de cura no esquema de uma vez por semana, 34 por cento no grupo tratado duas vezes por semana e 47 por cento no tratamento diário. Houve fracasso terapêutico (hemoglobina <10 g/dL) em 41,6, 13,2 e 2,0 por cento dos casos em cada grupo, respectivamente. Abandono do tratamento por queixa de diarréia ou dor epigástrica só foi observado no tratamento diário. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento diário continua sendo o mais eficaz. Contudo, o tratamento com sulfato ferroso duas vezes por semana é uma alternativa em caso de dificuldade de adesão ao tratamento diário.

Experiencia y manejo del purpura trombocitopenico idiopatico durante el embarazo

Presentamos nuestra experiencia de 14 embarazos en portadoras de púrpura trombocitopénico idiopático (PTI) en un lapso de 11 años, 8 de ellos activos (trombocitopénicos) y 6 inactivos (plaquetas normales). La incidencia de la enfermedad en nuestro Servicio fue de 1 en 5.554 embarazos. La edad materna fluctuó entre 18 y 38 años con una mediana de 28 años; 5 eran nulíparas (36%) y 9 multíparas (64%). Seis de las pacientes presentaron síntomas clínicos como epistaxis, gingivorragia, equimosis y petequias. En los casos de PTI activos, 5 de los pacientes utilizaron corticoides como manejo del cuadro, obteniendo respuesta clínica completa en un caso y parcial en 2 casos. El recuento plaquetario mínimo en las formas activas fluctuó entre 2.000 y 40.000/mm3. Hubo 3 casos con menos de 5.000/mm3. Se utilizó transfusión de plaquetas en 6 pacientes. La edad gestacional al parto fluctuó entre las 32 y 40 semanas, siendo el porcentaje de prematurez un 37%. La operación cesárea se practicó en el 62% de los casos. Un 25% de los RN fueron de bajo peso al nacer. No hubo complicaciones maternas mayores ni Apgar bajo a los cinco minutos en las formas activas. Hubo un óbito fetal y un mortineonato secundario a RPM y parto prematuro de 29 semanas en una paciente con PTI inactivo. Un 50% de los recién nacidos (4 casos) tuvieron recuentos plaquetarios < 50.000/mm3, 2 de ellos con recuentos < 20.000 que requirieron transfusión de plaquetas.

Iron hydroxide polymaltose--cause of persistent iron deficiency anemia at delivery.

Ironhydroxide polymaltose (IPC) preparations were used to treat four pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia. Despite patient compliance for sufficient length of time, hemoglobin failed to rise. By the time this was noticed, pregnancy was well advanced and delivery was only few weeks away. Patients were switched over to ferrous fumarate/succinate/parenteral iron. Although hemoglobin increased, women were still iron deficient at the time of delivery. Besides exposing women to hazards of iron deficiency at the time of delivery, their new borns are exposed to the risks intrauterine growth retardation and its consequences in childhood and later life. It would be advisable to avoid the use IPC preparations in patients with iron deficiency anemia, especially pregnant women.

Déficit congénito de antitrombina III: reporte de un caso clínico de una paciente sometida a cirugía oral / Congenital deficiency of antithrombine III: report of a patient submitted to oral surgery

El déficit congénico de antitrombina III (AT III) es una patología de escasa prevalencia que se manifiesta clínicamente por fenómenos tromboembólicos que ocurren principalmente en territorio venoso, especialmente de las extremidades inferiores. En estos pacientes la incidencia de trombosis venosa aumenta con la edad, al igual que al someter a los pacientes a factores disponibles como son cirugía, parto, trauma, reposo prolongado, etc. Por esta razón la terapia profiláctica-anticoagulante en estos enfermos es necesaria cuando debe someterse a una cirugía. La administración de AT III exógenal, sola o junto a heparina, aparece como el tratamiento profiláctico más efectivo en prevenir los eventos trombólicos. En el presente trabajo se describe la evolución y manejo terapéutico de una paciente portadora de un déficit congénito de AT III, en relación a su segundo parto y cirugía de terceros molares