Changes in haemoglobin, red cell count, red cell indices and reticulocyte count in response to daily versus intermittent oral iron supplementation during pregnancy in local population

ABSTRACT

To assess and compare the relative effectiveness of different oral iron supplementation regimens on hematological parameters in pregnant anemic women. This study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute with collaboration of Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi. Subjects were pregnant women [n=90] showing clinical anemia [Hb<11g /dl] in their 20-24 weeks of gestation. All selected women were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups at the time of registration [30 in daily, 30 in TW, 30 in WS] 75 out of 90 enrolled women successfully completed 12 weeks trial. Group-I received 60 mg oral iron daily, Group-2 received 60 mg TW and Group-3 received 120mg once weekly. Haemoglobin, red cell count, red cell indices and reticulocyte count were evaluated by routine methods initially at baseline before iron therapy then at four weeks interval for 12 weeks following iron therapy. There was no significant difference existed in the mean haemoglobin level, RBC count, Red cell indices and Reticulocyte count between three treatment groups at the end of 12 weeks therapy. The increase in reticulocyte count showed effective erythropoiesis following iron therapy. The results within the group were compared from baseline to twelve weeks and all the groups were compared with each other. Intermittent iron supplementation is an equally effective mode of treatment of anemia as it has similar effect on hematological status to those of standard daily supplements