scholarly journals The overbearing physiological changes marring iron indices interpretation in response to iron therapy during pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 39-42
Author(s):  
Chandrika N ◽  

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is most common cause of anemia in pregnancy. In order to prevent this iron supplementation is routinely practiced as a prophylactic measure in pregnant women all over. The biochemical parameters assessed in IDA comprise an iron profile evaluation which consists of estimation of serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity(TIBC), serum transferrin levels and calculation of transferrin saturation. These biochemical parameters are subjected to variations due to maternal adaption phenomenon. Aim: In the current study we have chosen three iron indices, serum iron, serum TIBC and transferrin saturation percent to note their performance in diagnosing and monitoring the response to iron therapy in pregnant women. Methodology: The study population are thirty- six pregnant women in their early second trimester, who are diagnosed with mild iron deficiency anemia (Hemoglobin between 9 and 11 g %). Iron parameters, serum iron, serum TIBC and transferrin saturation levels were analyzed in these women. They are then given oral iron preparation in the form of Ferrous sulphate for a period of twelve weeks. After this the Hemoglobin level, serum iron, TIBC and transferrin saturation levels are re-analyzed in these women. Results: The hemoglobin levels increased (p= 0.002). as expected after oral iron intake. Serum iron levels improved from 58.19±39.07 to 64.78±34.96 μg/dl. Serum TIBC value before supplementation 234.22±134.49 increased to 437.33±94.95 after, which contradicts the expected pattern seen in response to therapy in general population. Similarly absurdity prevails in transferrin saturation index levels which dropped from 36.8 ± 31.8 to 16.3 ± 10.6. Conclusion: The iron status during pregnancy is highly influenced by the maternal changes. And a blind interpretation of the report can lead to erroneous diagnosis. The interpretation of values should be based on the trimester specific reference ranges during pregnancy.

2007 ◽  
Vol 68 (4) ◽  
pp. 222-225
Author(s):  
Caroline P. Leblanc ◽  
France M. Rioux

Purpose: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy and infancy is still common in developed countries, especially in low-income groups. We examined the prevalence of anemia and IDA in healthy low-income pregnant women participating in the Early Childhood Initiatives (ECI) program, and in their infants when they reached six months of age. Methods: Pregnant women were recruited by nutritionists. In mothers, hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume, and serum ferritin (SF) were measured at 36 ± 2 weeks of gestation. In infants, Hb, mean corpuscular volume, SF, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation (TS) were measured at six months of age. Thirty-one mother-infant pairs participated. Results: Among the 31 pregnant women participating in the ECI program, six (19.4%) were anemic (Hb <110 g/L) and five (16.1%) suffered from IDA (Hb <110 g/L and SF <10 µg/L). Among infants, seven of 23 (30.4%) were anemic (Hb <110 g/L) and five of 23 (21.7%) suffered from IDA (Hb <110 g/L plus two of the following: TIBC >60 µmol/L, SF <10 µg/L, serum iron <5.3 µmol/L, TS ≤15%). Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia in this group of lowincome pregnant women is comparable to that in privileged women. The prevalence of IDA in infants is comparable to that observed in other high-risk groups. Effective strategies are needed to prevent IDA in vulnerable groups.


2009 ◽  
Vol 94 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hakan Cinemre ◽  
Cemil Bilir ◽  
Feyzi Gokosmanoglu ◽  
Talat Bahcebasi

Abstract Context: In patients with coexisting iron-deficiency anemia and subclinical hypothyroidism, anemia does not adequately respond to oral iron therapy. Objective: We studied whether iron-deficiency anemia might indicate treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism. Design: Patients were assigned to a control or experimental group: 240 mg/d oral iron alone (iron group) or 240 mg/d oral iron plus 75 μg/d levothyroxine (iron/levothyroxine group). Levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, serum iron levels, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity, TSH, and free T4 were measured before and after treatment. Setting: The study was conducted at a university hospital outpatient clinic. Patients: Fifty-one patients with coexisting iron-deficiency anemia and subclinical hypothyroidism participated in the study. Intervention: Patients were treated as described above in either the iron group or the iron/levothyroxine group. Main Outcome Measure: A clinically satisfactory increase in hemoglobin was regarded as successful. Results: Mean hemoglobin levels increased by 0.4 g/dl in the iron group [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2–0.7, P = 0.001], whereas it increased by a mean of 1.9 g/dl in the iron/levothyroxine group (95% CI 1.5–2.3, P &lt; 0.0001). The increase in serum iron was greater in the iron/levothyroxine group by a mean of 47.6 μg/dl (95% CI 34.5–60.6, P &lt; 0.0001). Increases in hemoglobin, red blood cells, hematocrit, and serum ferritin levels after treatment were statistically significantly greater in the iron/levothyroxine group (P &lt; 0.0001). Starting hemoglobin and increase in hemoglobin were negatively correlated in the iron/levothyroxine group (r = −0.531, P = 0.006). Conclusions: Subclinical hypothyroidism should be treated in iron-deficiency anemia patients when both conditions coexist. This would provide a desired therapeutic response to oral iron replacement and prevent ineffective iron therapy.


Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 3076-3076
Author(s):  
Rebecka Hansen ◽  
Joergen Kurtzhals ◽  
Bjarne Styrishave ◽  
Charlotte Holm

Abstract Introduction: Hepcidin, the master regulator of iron economy, is decreased during pregnancy to facilitate adequate iron transfer across the placenta. Conversely, iron need increases substantially during pregnancy often leading to iron deficiency and subsequently anemia. The PREG-01 Study compared the efficacy and safety of intravenous (IV) ferric derisomaltose (FDI) vs. oral iron in treating persistent iron deficiency in pregnant women. The study found FDI to be efficacious and well-tolerated in pregnancy and the proportion of non-anaemic patients throughout the course of the study was significantly lower in the FDI group. In this analysis, we investigated the effect of baseline hepcidin on the response to IV and oral iron therapy. Methods: PREG-01 was a single-centre, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Women 14-21 weeks pregnant with persistent iron deficiency (ferritin&lt;30 µg/L despite oral iron treatment) received a single intravenous 1000 mg dose of FDI (n=100) or 100 mg elemental oral iron daily combined with ascorbic acid (n=101). Hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT%) levels were captured at baseline and monitored throughout the study. The effect of baseline hepcidin on achieving non-anemic status (Hb ≥ 11 g/dL) at all study visits and the effect on change in Hb, ferritin and TSAT% were investigated by estimating odds ratios from a logistic regression model with treatment as factor and interaction between treatment and baseline hepcidin. The odds ratio estimate is for an increment in baseline hepcidin of 1 ng/mL. Results: Mean [standard deviation (SD)] baseline Hb was 11.97 (0.93) g/dL in the FDI group and 11.75 (0.91) g/dL in the oral iron group. Baseline hepcidin was 6.42 ng/mL in the FDI and 5.32 ng/mL in the oral iron group. Baseline hepcidin was not associated with the ability to achieve non-anaemic status either in the FDI (OR 0.98; 95% CI: 0.87-1.09) or the oral iron group (OR 0.96; 95% CI: 0.88-1.05). No statistically significant associations were found between baseline hepcidin and change in Hb, ferritin or TSAT% throughout the study (Figure 1). Conclusions: In a population of pregnant women with iron deficiency, but otherwise healthy, baseline hepcidin was overall low. Although there was a trend for an association between baseline hepcidin and Hb response to oral iron only, baseline hepcidin did not predict the response to iron therapy. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare. OffLabel Disclosure: Ferric Derisomaltose is an IV iron preparation indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in the US.


Author(s):  
Anusha Natarajan ◽  
Priyadarsini Baskaran

Background: Pregnancy significantly increases the need for iron. The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women is high, affecting 41.8% of all pregnant women worldwide. In patients with low tolerance to oral iron, it is recommended to start them on parenteral iron therapy but with variable degree of efficacy. Hence this meta-analysis was done with the following aim. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of various iron preparations in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia (IDA).Methods: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (available as full free text) which included iron therapy in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia were retrieved from electronic databases viz. PubMed, Google scholar and IndMed, with specific search terms. Qualities of RCTs were assessed using JADAD score and four RCTs with high score were included for analysis using RevMan 5.3 software. Outcome measures were change in hemoglobin levels and serum ferritin concentration after one month of therapy.Results: In the four RCTs included, a total of 267 patients were treated with oral iron and 267 patients were treated with parenteral iron therapy. Change in the hemoglobin levels between the 2 groups had a standard mean difference of 0.73, 95% CI (-0.05-1.52), with the p-value of 0.07. To assess the change in the serum ferritin concentration a total of 188 patients in oral iron and 197 patients in parenteral iron therapy were included. There was a standard mean difference of 0.88, 95% CI (0.60-1.66), with a p value of<0.00001.Conclusions: In the present meta-analysis we found that oral and parenteral iron therapy showed similar efficacy in improving the hemoglobin level in pregnant women.


Blood ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 120 (21) ◽  
pp. 484-484
Author(s):  
Lawrence T. Goodnough ◽  
David Morris ◽  
Todd Koch ◽  
Andy He ◽  
David Bregman

Abstract Abstract 484 Background Treatment options for individuals diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) include oral or intravenous iron. Oral iron may not increase patient hemoglobin levels adequately, due to poor compliance and/or suboptimal gastrointestinal absorption due to inflammation-mediated induction of hepcidin, which regulates iron homeostasis. This study evaluated whether hepcidin levels can be used to identify patients with IDA who are unresponsive to oral iron therapy. Methods Hepcidin levels were assessed in a subset of subjects enrolled in a randomized trial comparing oral iron (ferrous sulfate) to intravenous iron (Injectafer®[ferric carboxymaltose, FCM]) in subjects with IDA (Hemoglobin [Hb] ≤ 11 g/dL; and ferritin ≤ 100 ng/mL, or ≤ 300 ng/mL when transferrin saturation (TSAT) was ≤ 30%) (Szczech et al Amer Soc Nephrol 2011; 22:405A). Subjects who met the inclusion criteria underwent a 14-day (run-in) course of ferrous sulfate 325 mg, three times per day. Subjects with an increase in Hb ≥ 1 g/dL were considered to be “responders” and not randomized. “Non-responders” were randomized to ferric carboxymaltose (2 injections of 750 mg given on Day 0 [day of randomization] and Day 7) or oral iron for 14 more days. Hb levels and markers of iron status were assessed at screening (day-15), day-1 and day 35. Hepcidin levels were analyzed at screening (Day -15) in an initial Cohort (I) of 44 patients, 22 responders and 22 non-responders. A hepcidin value of >20 ng/mL was identified for further analysis for predictive values for non-responsiveness to 14 day oral iron run-in in 240 patients (Cohort II). Hepcidin levels were also analyzed at Day -1 and Day 35 in a Cohort (III) of patients who were then randomized to FCM vs. oral iron therapy. Results Hepcidin screening levels in Cohort I were significantly higher in the non-responders vs. responders (33.2 vs. 8.7 ng/mL, p < 0.004). Twenty one of 22 non-responders had hepcidin values > 20 ng/mL. For Cohort II, mean hepcidin levels were again significantly higher in the non-responders vs. responders (38.4 vs. 11.3 ng/mL, p = 0.0002). Utilizing a hepcidin criterion of > 20 ng/mL, we found a sensitivity of 41.3% (26 of 150), specificity of 84.4% (76 of 90), and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 81.6% (62 of 76) for non-responsiveness to oral iron (Figure: The Receiver Operator Characteristic curves present plots of sensitivity vs. (1-specificity) for hepcidin, ferritin, and TSAT at the various cutoff levels indicated near the respective curves in the same color as the respective curves). While ferritin < 30ng/mL or TSAT <15% had greater sensitivity (77.3% and 64.7%, respectively), their PPVs (59.2% and 55%) were inferior to PPVs for hepcidin. Patients subsequently randomized to FCM vs. oral iron responded with Hgb increases of ≥1 g/dL for 65.3% vs. 20.8% (p <0.0001)and mean Hgb increases of 1.7 ± 1.3 vs. 0.6 ± 0.9 g/dL (p = 0.0025), respectively. Conclusion Our analysis provides evidence that non-responsiveness to oral iron in patients with iron deficiency anemia can be predicted from patients' baseline hepcidin levels, which have superior positive predictive values compared to transferrin saturation or ferritin levels. Furthermore, non-response to oral iron therapy does not rule out iron deficiency, since two thirds of these non-responders to oral iron responded to IV iron. Disclosures: Goodnough: Luitpold: Consultancy. Off Label Use: ferric carboxymaltose for treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Morris:Luitpold: Consultancy. Koch:Luitpold: Employment. He:Luitpold: Employment. Bregman:Luitpold: Employment.


Blood ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 128 (22) ◽  
pp. 4737-4737
Author(s):  
Nilupa Gaspe Mudiyanselage ◽  
Tarek Elrafei ◽  
Beth Lewis ◽  
Mary King ◽  
Marianna Strakhan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Prior studies have indicated that transfusion is unusual (2%) in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia. Nonetheless, compliance with oral iron replacement can be an issue and physicians may wish to use IV iron therapy in markedly anemic pregnant women. Objectives: to evaluate the effectiveness of adding intravenous iron sucrose concentrate (ISC) to pregnant patients already taking oral iron in terms of effect on hemoglobin, effect on ferritin levels, rates of transfusion, and cost. Methods: We analyzed all referrals from Obstetrics to Hematology clinic and Obstetrics consultation (Internal medicine) clinic from January 2014 to June 2016. Of the 176 pregnant patients, 98 were referred for anemia, including 81 patients with Hgb < 12 g/dl and ferritin < 20 ug/L. All had previously been given oral ferrous sulfate prescriptions. Patients with hemoglobinopathy were excluded. All 81 patients were advised to continue on the oral iron, and 40 were given IV iron sucrose (ISC group). Results: The average cumulative dose of iron sucrose was 700 mg, a mean of 5.575 doses (initiated in the third trimester in 38 of 40 patients). The lowest antepartum Hgb was 8.18 g/dl in the ISC group and 9.58 in the oral only group; there was an average Hgb increase of 2.17 vs 1.76 g/dl respectively (p=.107 NS and the 0.41 g/dl difference was considered to be of no clinical consequence). 89% in the ISC group vs 30% in the oral achieved a ferritin >20 (p=0.000015). No adverse events in the IV iron group were reported. There was 1 transfusion in the oral iron group attributable to iron deficiency (2.4%) vs none in the IV iron group (p = 0.107 NS). Two patients were transfused in the antenatal period before IV iron was started and 1 transfused because of post-partum hemorrhage. The total cost of the IV iron therapy would add an average of $1,500 per patient. Thus, and additional cost of $60,000 in IV iron would be required to prevent 1 transfusion [40:1]. Conclusions: ISC corrects ferritin in more patients than oral iron replacement, but did not significantly increase Hgb levels or have a meaningful impact on the transfusion rate. The additional cost and lack of clinically improved outcomes with IV iron argue against its use and in favor of strategies to ensure compliance with oral iron. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarika Verma ◽  
Ruchika Gupta ◽  
Madhur Kudesia ◽  
Alka Mathur ◽  
Gopal Krishan ◽  
...  

Background. Coexistence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and beta thalassemia trait (BTT) has been the topic of few studies. However, no study from our country was found evaluating the effect of iron therapy in patients with concomitant IDA and BTT. Methods. Over a period of two years, 30 patients with concomitant IDA and BTT were included. All the patients had a complete blood count, serum iron studies, and thalassemia screening using BIORADTM hemoglobin testing system. The patients received oral iron therapy in appropriate dosages for a period of twenty weeks, after which all the investigations were repeated. Appropriate statistical methods were applied for comparison of pre- and posttherapy data. Results. All except two patients were adults with a marked female preponderance. Oral iron therapy led to statistically significant improvement in hemoglobin, red cell indices (P<0.05), and marked change in serum iron, ferritin, and HbA2 levels (P<0.001). There was a significant reduction in the total iron binding capacity levels. Conclusion. The present study shows the frequent occurrence of iron deficiency anemia in patients with beta thalassemia trait, which can potentially confound the diagnosis of the latter. Hence, iron deficiency should be identified and rectified in patients with suspicion of beta thalassemia trait.


1993 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 661-661
Author(s):  
Helena U Suzuki ◽  
Mauro B Morais ◽  
Jose N Corral ◽  
Ulisses Fagundes-Neto ◽  
Nelson L Machado

Author(s):  
Manal Mahmoud Atia ◽  
Rasha Mohamed Gama ◽  
Mohamed Attia Saad ◽  
Mohammed Amr Hamam

Greater prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) has been observed in overweight and obese children and adolescents. Hepcidin acts as a key regulator of iron metabolism. Hepcidin synthesis increases in response inflammatory cytokines especially Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Considering that obesity represents a low grade chronic inflammatory state, a high concentration of hepcidin has been found in obese children. Elevated hepcidin level in obese children is associated with diminished response to oral iron therapy. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding multifunctional glycoprotein and has strong capacity to modulate the inflammatory response by its capacity to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in vivo, including IL-6 and hepcidin. Aim of the Work: To compare the efficacy of lactoferrin versus oral iron therapy in treatment of obese children and adolescents with iron deficiency anemia and the effect of therapy on serum hepcidin and interleukin 6 levels. Methodology: This prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted on 40 obese children and adolescents aged between 6 –18 years suffering from iron deficiency anemia (IDA). They were equally randomized into one of 2 groups. Group A received regular oral lactoferrin in a dose of 100 mg/day. Group B received regular oral iron supplementation (Ferric hydroxide polymaltose) in a dose of 6 mg elemental iron/kg /day.Baseline investigations included complete blood count (CBC), iron profile (Serum ferritin, serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation), serum Interleukin 6, and serum hepcidin. Reevaluation of CBC was done monthly while iron status parameters, serum IL-6 and serum hepcidin were reevaluated after 3 months of receiving regular therapy. Results: Significant elevations in hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, Serum ferritin, serum iron and transferrin saturation with lactoferrin therapy compared to oral iron therapy. Significantly Lower TIBC after 3 months of lactoferrin therapy while the decrease in TIBC was insignificant in the iron therapy group.Lower serum hepcidin and IL6 after 3 months of lactoferrin therapy with no significant change in serum hepcidin and IL6 after iron therapy. Conclusion: This study clearly demonstrated the superiority of lactoferrin over iron use as oral in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in obese children not only for the better response of hematological and iron status parameters and less gastrointestinal side effects but also for its effect on decreasing inflammatory biomarkers as hepcidin and IL6.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document