Prevalence and etiology of anemia in pregnancy. A descriptive observational study in the Maternity Institute of Tucumán

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In Argentina, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent disease in the motherchild group. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and etiology of anemia in pregnant women who made their prenatal control in the 1st or 2nd trimester of pregnancy at the Maternity Institute of Tucumán, between October 2009 and May 2010. METHODS: A descriptive observational study was conducted. The analysis included blood count, serum iron, transferrin, ferritin, vitamin B12, folic acid and hemoglobin electrophoresis in 122 pregnant women. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia was 7,4% (9/122; confidence interval [CI] 95% = 2,8-12,0%). 4 pregnant women had IDA, and 5, non-IDA. 29,5% (CI 95% = 21-37%) of the population was in some stage of IDA (evident, latent, silent), 4,4% had vitamin B12 deficiency, and folic acid level was normal. Hereditary anemia was not found. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of IDA should include the determination of hemoglobin and ferritin, in order to provide an appropriate treatment for pregnant women.