Anaemias in pregnant Egyptian women and its effect on hormonal placental function

ABSTRACT

This study was done on 35 pregnant women in the last three weeks of gestation, 10 of them with normal haemoglobin concentration [Hb conc.] [Group I] and 25 with Hb. concentration less than 8 gm/ dl [Group II]. The following laboratory tests were done to them Hb concentration, estimation of serum iron, total iron binding capacity, ferritin, vitamin B12, folate, aestriol and human placental lactogen HPL. Fetal birth weight and placental weight were recorded. There was significant decrease in Hb conc., serum iron and ferritin in Group II as compared to Group I [P < 0.001]. On the other hand, significant increase in serum total iron binding capacity was detected in Group II as compared to Group I [P < 0.01]. There was significant decrease in serum folate [P < 0.01] and insignificant decrease in serum vitamin B 12 in Group II compared to group I. 56% of the anaemic cases were due to iron deficiency anaemia, 28% were mixed iron deficiency and megaloblastic anaemia, and 16% with megaloblastic anaemia due to folate deficiency. There was significant increase in serum HPL and significant decrease in serum aestriol level [P < 0.001] in Group II compared to Group I. There was also significant decrease in fetal birth weight [P < 0.05] and significant increase in placental weight [P < 0.01]. Although, it has been accepted that serum HPL and aestriol level are a good index of feto- placental wellbeing. It is important for obstetrician to be cautious in using HPL and aestriol values as a test of good placental function in anaemic pregnant women