Low first-trimester hemoglobin and low birth weight, preterm birth and small for gestational age newborns

Is It Time to Alter the Standard of Care for Iron Deficiency/Iron Deficiency Anemia in Reproductive-Age Women?

Two billion people worldwide suffer from anemia, with reproductive-age women being disproportionately affected. Iron plays a crucial role in cellular function and impacts cognition, physical function, and quality of life. Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are associated with adverse effects on pregnancy and fetal development. Oral iron supplementation has been the standard treatment for decades, often producing sub-optimal outcomes. Many babies are still being born with ID and suffer adverse sequelae due to inadequate iron levels in the mothers. Is it time to consider a broad scale-up of parenteral iron as a new standard of care?

Maternal anaemia during early pregnancy and the risk of neonatal outcomes: a prospective cohort study in Central China

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between anaemia during early pregnancy and the risk of neonatal outcomes.

METHODS

We collected clinical data from pregnant women (≥18 years) who received their first antenatal care between 8 and 14 weeks of gestation in Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital. Multiple logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline regression models were used to analyse the association between anaemia during early pregnancy and the risk of neonatal outcomes. In addition, sensitivity analysis was further performed to assess the robustness of the results.

RESULTS

The prospective cohort study ultimately included 34 087 singleton pregnancies. In this study, the rate of anaemia during early pregnancy was 16.3%. Our data showed that there was a positive relationship between the rate of preterm birth, low birth weight as well as small for gestational age (SGA) and the severity of maternal anaemia (Ptrend<0.05). After adjustment, the association of early pregnancy anaemia and haemoglobin (Hb) levels with the risk of preterm birth (mild anaemia adjusted OR (aOR) 1.37 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.52), moderate anaemia aOR 1.54 (95% CI 1.35 to 1.76) and severe anaemia aOR 4.03 (95% CI 2.67 to 6.08), respectively), low birth weight (mild anaemia aOR 1.61 (95% CI 1.44 to 1.79), moderate anaemia aOR 2.01 (95% CI 1.75 to 2.30) and severe anaemia aOR 6.11 (95% CI 3.99 to 9.36), respectively) and SGA (mild anaemia aOR 1.37 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.52), moderate anaemia aOR 1.54 (95% CI 1.35 to 1.76) and severe anaemia aOR 2.61 (95% CI 1.74 to 4.50), respectively; Pnon-linear<0.05) was observed. However, no association was found between early pregnancy anaemia or Hb levels and the risk of congenital malformations. Sensitivity analysis verified the stability of the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal anaemia during early pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and SGA and their rates may increase with the severity of maternal anaemia.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR1800016635.

Intravenous iron for treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy and associated maternal outcomes

BACKGROUND

More than 40% of pregnant patients worldwide are anemic, with at least half resulting from iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Anemia in pregnancy is linked with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Treatment for IDA is iron supplementation; however, the optimal route of administration remains unclear. We sought to investigate whether patients with IDA who received intravenous iron (IVI) had decreased odds of maternal morbidity compared to patients who did not.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of pregnant patients with presumed IDA with term deliveries at a tertiary hospital from 2013-2021. Data were extracted from the hospital's electronic medical record using standardized definitions and billing codes. Patients who received antepartum IVI were compared to patients who did not. The primary outcome was a maternal morbidity composite inclusive of receipt of blood transfusion, hysterectomy, admission to the intensive care unit or death. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression modelling were performed adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Of 45,345 pregnancies, 5054 (11.1%) met eligibility criteria. Of these, 944 (18.7%) patients received IVI while 4110 (81.3%) did not. Patients who received IVI had higher risk baseline characteristics. They experienced a greater increase in hematocrit from pregnancy nadir to delivery admission (4.5% vs. 3.3%, p < .01). Despite this, patients who received IVI had higher odds of the maternal morbidity composite (OR 1.47, 95%CI 1.11-1.95). This finding persisted after adjusting for potential confounders, although the strength of the association became attenuated (aOR 1.37, 95%CI 1.02-1.85). Odds of the morbidity composite were not elevated among patients who received a full IVI treatment course (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.83-1.90).

DISCUSSION

Odds of the maternal morbidity composite were increased among patients who received IVI despite greater increases in hematocrit. The effect was attenuated after adjusting for potential confounders and was not significant among patients who completed a full treatment course.

The Associations of Maternal Blood Hemoglobin and Serum Triglyceride Levels and the Risk of Preterm Delivery

The abnormal hemoglobin (HGB) and serum lipid concentrations during pregnancy will increase the risk of preterm delivery. Our study aimed to explore the correlation between prenatal HGB and serum lipid levels and preterm delivery. We enrolled 215 mother-infant pairs in a pilot cohort study. The logistic regression model and Restricted Cubic Spline model (RCS) were used to investigate the levels of prenatal blood HGB and serum lipid such as triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein and preterm delivery. The results showed that moderate levels of prenatal blood HGB (OR=0.28; 95%CI: 0.10, 0.75, p-trend=0.018) and high level of serum TG (OR=0.29; 95%CI: 0.10, 0.84, p-trend=0.022) level were negatively associated with the risk of preterm delivery. The joint effect results showed that compared with lower level of prenatal blood HGB (≤123.13 g/l) and TG (≤3.7 mmol/l), we found that high levels prenatal blood HGB and serum TG (OR=0.32, 95%CI: 0.12, 0.89) had a negative association with the risk of preterm delivery. Moreover, prenatal blood HGB and serum TG levels had negative linear dose-effect relationships with the risk of preterm delivery in overall and girl group (p<0.05). Moderate levels of prenatal blood HGB and high level of serum TG were negatively associated with the risk of preterm delivery. The joint effect of high levels prenatal HGB and prenatal serum TG in the normal range were negatively correlated with preterm delivery. Moreover, the underlying mechanisms should be clarified in future studies.

Association between maternal anemia and stunting in infants and children aged 0-60 months: A systematic literature review

OBJECTIVES

Maternal anemia is a worldwide health issue and a common pregnancy complication. It leads to consequences including infant mortality, low birth weight, preterm birth, unrecoverable or partially reversible neurobehavioral and cognitive deficits, and short birth length. However, the relationship between maternal anemia and stunting in children is not well defined. This systematic literature review sought to determine whether maternal anemia was associated with height or length and stunting conditions in infants and children ages 0-60 mo in cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies carried out in several countries.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed on articles published from 2014-2021 related to maternal anemia and stunting. The electronic databases used were ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Search, and AJOG (American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology). The literature search was performed up to December 7, 2021.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included. Nine studies examined the correlation between maternal anemia and length or weight in children. Seven of the nine studies showed an association between maternal anemia and stunting in children; the others showed an association between maternal anemia and birth length. Three studies found no association between maternal anemia and stunting in children under age 5 y.

CONCLUSIONS

The current review emphasizes that stunting in children may be associated with maternal anemia, specifically in developing countries. This implies that it is crucial to prevent anemia in adolescent girls and women before and during pregnancy as a part of programs to eliminate stunting in children.

Umbilical cord management - the first opportunity to improve healthcare disparities

This review focuses on iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in women and children in the United States. These are common, fixable problems that disproportionally affect minority populations. There are many opportunities for successful screening and management. The knowledge and awareness for identification and treatment of our populations' commonest deficiency is crucial.

Maternal low and high hemoglobin concentrations and associations with adverse maternal and infant health outcomes: an updated global systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Growing evidence suggests low and high maternal hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations may have adverse consequences for maternal and child health. There remain questions on specific Hb thresholds to define anemia and high Hb as well as how cutoffs may vary by anemia etiology and timing of assessment.

METHODS

We conducted an updated systematic review (using PubMed and Cochrane Review) on low (< 110 g/L) and high (≥ 130 g/L) maternal Hb concentrations and associations with a range of maternal and infant health outcomes. We examined associations by timing of Hb assessment (preconception; first, second, and third trimesters, as well as at any time point in pregnancy), varying cutoffs used for defining low and high hemoglobin concentrations and performed stratified analyses by iron-deficiency anemia. We conducted meta-analyses to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

The updated systematic review included 148 studies. Low maternal Hb at any time point in pregnancy was associated with: low birthweight, LBW (OR (95% CI) 1.28 (1.22-1.35)), very low birthweight, VLBW (2.15 (1.47-3.13)), preterm birth, PTB (1.35 (1.29-1.42)), small-for-gestational age, SGA (1.11 (1.02-1.19)), stillbirth 1.43 (1.24-1.65)), perinatal mortality (1.75 (1.28-2.39)), neonatal mortality (1.25 (1.16-1.34), postpartum hemorrhage (1.69 (1.45-1.97)), transfusion (3.68 (2.58-5.26)), pre-eclampsia (1.57 (1.23-2.01)), and prenatal depression (1.44 (1.24-1.68)). For maternal mortality, the OR was higher for Hb < 90 (4.83 (2.17-10.74)) than for Hb < 100 (2.87 (1.08-7.67)). High maternal Hb was associated with: VLBW (1.35 (1.16-1.57)), PTB (1.12 (1.00-1.25)), SGA (1.17 (1.09-1.25)), stillbirth (1.32 (1.09-1.60)), maternal mortality (2.01 (1.12-3.61)), gestational diabetes (1.71 (1.19-2.46)), and pre-eclampsia (1.34 (1.16-1.56)). Stronger associations were noted earlier in pregnancy for low Hb and adverse birth outcomes while the role of timing of high Hb was inconsistent. Lower Hb cutoffs were associated with greater odds of poor outcomes; for high Hb, data were too limited to identify patterns. Information on anemia etiology was limited; relationships did not vary by iron-deficiency anemia.

CONCLUSION

Both low and high maternal Hb concentrations during pregnancy are strong predictors of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes. Additional research is needed to establish healthy reference ranges and design effective interventions to optimize maternal Hb during pregnancy.

Preeclampsia development and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women who were anemic in the first trimester

Background/Aim: Anemia is a disease that can be easily treated, but it is still widespread worldwide. Anemia can affect nearly 40% of women. Anemia has been extensively studied and related to a variety of pregnancy complications. The primary purpose of our study was to discover the relationship between preeclampsia and anemia in the first trimester, and the secondary goal was to analyze the outcomes of newborns born to these mothers. Methods: This study was compiled as a retrospective cohort study. Age, gravida, parity, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were recorded in a patient’s first visit file. Hemoglobin counts in the first trimester were analyzed as hemogram values. Those with a hemoglobin value <11 g/dl during pregnancy were classified as anemic. The patients' file records were reviewed to determine mode of delivery, birth weight, and Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) scores. To confirm a diagnosis of preeclampsia, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) criteria were used. Results: After the exclusion of 186 women due to comorbidities and multiple pregnancies, 364 women were evaluated. The number of anemic pregnant women in the first trimester was 87 (23.9%), and 277 non-anemic women were matched with the anemic group. No statistical difference between the groups in terms of demographic characteristics, such as age, gravida, body mass index (BMI), and TSH were found. No statistical difference between the groups in terms of delivery type, infant birth weight, and APGAR scores were found (P > 0.05). Preeclampsia frequency was statistically higher in pregnant women who were anemic in the first trimester (P = 0.032). Conclusion: Preeclampsia was found to be more common in pregnant women who were anemic in the first trimester. Although it would seem that neonatal outcomes are unaffected, we believe that the unaffected outcomes are due to iron replacement. To avoid pregnancy complications, it is crucial for women not to be anemic prior to becoming pregnant.

Non-linear connections between maternal hemoglobin during the third trimester of pregnancy and birth weight outcomes in full-term newborns: Estimating the breakpoints

Objective

Anemia is still an unfinished global health problem, and adverse birth weight outcomes have everlasting influences on the health of later life. However, the non-linear connections and breakpoints of maternal hemoglobin with birth weight outcomes are still needed to be further elucidated. We aimed to reveal the non-linear connections between maternal hemoglobin during the third trimester of pregnancy and birth weight, low birth weight (LBW), macrosomia, small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA) in full-term newborns and elucidate the breakpoints of the connections.

Methods

A total of 11,411 singletons, full-term, and live newborns, whose mothers conducted the examination of hemoglobin concentration before delivery, were included in this study. A generalized additive model was used to identify and visualize the non-linear connections between maternal hemoglobin and birth weight outcomes. Piecewise linear regression model was adopted to estimate the breakpoints of the connections and report the non-linear connections in detail.

Results

There were inverted "U"-shaped exposure-response connections between maternal hemoglobin concentration and birth weight and the risk of macrosomia. There was an increasing trend of the risk of LBW and a decreased trend of LGA with the increase in maternal hemoglobin concentration. The breakpoints of maternal hemoglobin for birth weight were 100 and 138 g/L, and those for SGA were 97 and 138 g/L. The breakpoints of maternal hemoglobin were 119 g/L for LBW, 105 g/L for macrosomia, and 106 g/L for LGA. When maternal hemoglobin concentration ranged from 100 to 138 g/L, maternal hemoglobin concentration increased per 1 g/L, and birth weight significantly decreased by 2.58 g (95% CI: -3.33, -1.83). When maternal hemoglobin concentration ranged from 97 to 138 g/L, maternal hemoglobin concentration increased per 1 g/L, and the risk of SGA significantly increased by 2% (95% CI: 1%, 3%). When maternal hemoglobin concentration was equal to or lower than 119 g/L, maternal hemoglobin concentration increased per 1 g/L, and the risk of LBW significantly increased by 3% (95% CI: 0%, 5%). When maternal hemoglobin concentration was higher than the breakpoints, the risks of macrosomia (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98, 0.99) and LGA (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.00) declined as the increase of maternal hemoglobin concentration.

Conclusions

There were non-linear connections between maternal hemoglobin and birth weight outcomes, and there are breakpoints in the connections. Cost-effective interventions targeting pregnant women in the prevention of abnormal maternal hemoglobin concentration should be taken to reduce the incidence of adverse birth weight outcomes.

The incidence, complications, and treatment of iron deficiency in pregnancy

Iron deficiency and/or iron deficiency anemia (IDA) complicate nearly 50% of pregnancies globally, negatively impacting both maternal and fetal outcomes. Iron deficiency can cause a range of symptoms that range from aggravating to debilitating including fatigue, poor quality of life, pagophagia, and restless leg syndrome. Iron deficiency and IDA are also associated with maternal complications including preterm labor, increased rates of cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal death. Fetal complications include increased rates of low birth weight and small for gestational age newborns. Prenatal maternal anemia has also been associated with autism spectrum disorders in the neonate, although causation is not established. Deficiency in the newborn is associated with compromised memory, processing, and bonding, with some of these deficits persisting into adulthood. Despite the prevalence and consequences associated with iron deficiency in pregnancy, data show that it is routinely undertreated. Due to the physiologic changes of pregnancy, all pregnant individuals should receive oral iron supplementation. However, the bioavailability of oral iron is poor and it is often ineffective at preventing and treating iron deficiency. Likewise, it frequently causes gastrointestinal symptoms that can worsen the quality of life in pregnancy. Intravenous iron formulations administered in a single or multiple dose series are now available. There is increasing data suggesting that newer intravenous formulations are safe and effective in the second and third trimesters and should be strongly considered in pregnant individuals without optimal response to oral iron repletion.

Maternal hemoglobin levels and neonatal outcomes: the Japan Environment and Children's Study

BACKGROUND

Low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), and preterm birth (PTB) are important neonatal outcomes that may affect infant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate associations between maternal hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and pregnancy outcomes of LBW, SGA, and PTB.

METHODS

This was a prospective birth cohort study using data of the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Participants were divided into five groups according to maternal Hb (g/dL) in the first and second trimesters: group 1, Hb < 9; group 2, 9 ≤ Hb < 11.0; group 3, 11.0 ≤ Hb < 13.0; group 4, 13.0 < Hb < 14.0; and group 5, 14.0 ≤ Hb. We examined the relationships between LBW, PTB, SGA, and maternal Hb in the first and second trimesters.

RESULTS

Excluding 29,673, a total of 74,392 newborns (first trimester: n = 39,084, second trimester: n = 35,308) were included. We obtained adjusted odds ratios (aORs) (95% confidence intervals (CIs)) using multivariate analysis; compared with group 3 in the first trimesters, women in group 1 were at increased risk of PTB (aOR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.69-6.09), LBW (aOR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.19-4.09). In the second trimester, multivariate analysis revealed that, compared with group 3 in the second trimester, women in group 1 were at increased risk of PTB (aOR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.19-4.42) and women in group 5 were at increased risk of LBW (aOR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.24-2.81) and PTB (aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.06-2.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated maternal Hb in the second trimester was associated with risks of PTB and LBW.

Iron deficiency in women: ways to reduce prevalence

Iron deficiency states (IDSs) are common disorders at the nexus of various fields. The etiology and pathogenesis of IDSs have been well studied in recent decades, but their prevalence is still high. The highest incidence of IDSs is reported in women of reproductive age. The timely correction of iron deficiency improves women's quality of life and reduces pregnancy complications and infant morbidity. To achieve and maintain the improvement, caution in risk groups, early diagnosis, physiology-based therapy, and follow-up are necessary. Iron sulfate agents are well known as an effective way to treat iron deficiency anemia. However, the high rate of previously reported side effects posed significant challenges to the complete course of therapy. The development of a new molecule with prolonged iron release minimizes the complications of therapy, providing new prospects for iron deficiency treatment. The combination of folic acid to iron sulfate in one tablet simplifies prevention regimens and therapy for pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant and reduces the time to improve.

Food-derived bioactive oligopeptide iron complexes ameliorate iron deficiency anemia and offspring development in pregnant rats

This study aimed to investigate anemia treatment and other potential effects of two food-derived bioactive oligopeptide iron complexes on pregnant rats with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and their offspring. Rats with IDA were established with a low iron diet and then mated. There were one control group and seven randomly assigned groups of pregnant rats with IDA: Control group [Control, 40 ppm ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄)]; IDA model group (ID, 4 ppm FeSO₄), three high-iron groups (H-FeSO₄, 400 ppm FeSO₄; MCOP-Fe, 400 ppm marine fish oligopeptide iron complex; WCOP-Fe, 400 ppm whey protein oligopeptide iron complex) and three low-iron groups (L-FeSO₄, 40 ppm FeSO₄; MOP-Fe, 40 ppm marine fish oligopeptide iron complex; WOP-Fe, 40 ppm whey protein oligopeptide iron complex). Rats in each group were fed the corresponding special diet during pregnancy until the day of delivery. After different doses of iron supplement, serum hemoglobin, iron, and ferritin levels in rats with IDA were significantly increased to normal levels (P < 0.05). Serum iron levels were significantly lower in two food-derived bioactive oligopeptide low-iron complex groups than in the low FeSO₄ group (P<0.05). Liver malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in the three high-iron groups compared with the other five groups (P < 0.05), and hemosiderin deposition was observed in liver tissue, indicating that the iron dose was overloaded and aggravated the peroxidative damage in pregnant rats. Liver inflammation was reduced in the three low-iron groups. Tumor necrosis factor α secretion was significantly decreased in all groups with supplemented oligopeptide (P < 0.05), with the concentration of tumor necrosis factor α declining to normal levels in the two whey protein oligopeptide iron complex groups. In the marine fish oligopeptide iron complex groups, body length, tail length, and weight of offspring were significantly increased (P < 0.05) and reached normal levels. Therefore, food-derived bioactive oligopeptide (derived from marine fish skin and milk) iron complexes may be an effective type of iron supplement for pregnancy to improve anemia, as well as reduce the side effects of iron overload, and improve the growth and nutritional status of offspring.

Maternal Anemia during the First Trimester and Its Association with Psychological Health

Anemia during pregnancy is known to be associated with an increased risk of antenatal and/or postnatal depression, as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there are few studies evaluating psychological health throughout the antepartum and postpartum periods in women with anemia in early pregnancy. This study analyzed data collected by the Korean Pregnancy Outcome Study, a multicenter prospective cohort study conducted in South Korea, to determine the impact of anemia during the first trimester on birth outcomes and maternal mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. Hemoglobin levels were measured during the first trimester, and psychological health was evaluated at 12, 24, and 36 gestational weeks and 4−6 weeks postpartum. Anxiety and depression were defined using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, respectively. Among 4067 Korean participants, 119 (2.9%) were diagnosed with anemia during the first trimester. Incidences of anxiety and depression did not differ over the pregnancy period between those with and without anemia during the first trimester. However, postpartum anxiety and depression were significantly more common in participants with anemia than in those without (p < 0.05, both). Hence, obstetricians should pay attention to postpartum mental health in women with anemia during the first trimester.

Evaluation of the association between haemoglobin levels and preterm birth at Khartoum, Sudan: A hospital-based study

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the association between haemoglobin level and PB.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Khartoum, Sudan. Questionnaires on demographics and medical and obstetric factors were completed. A logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results

Of the 1,716 pregnant women, approximately two-thirds (65.7%) had anaemia (haemoglobin < 11 g/dl) and six (0.3%) had severe anaemia (haemoglobin < 8 g/dl). Of the 1,716 women, 283 (16.5%) had a PB. In multivariable logistic regression, parity (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.09–1.21, P < 0.001) was positively associated with PB. Compared to those with haemoglobin levels of 10–10.9 g/dl, pregnant women with haemoglobin levels of 8–8.9 (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.22–0.77), 9–9.9 (AOR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.38–0.91), and 11–11.9 g/dl (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.36–0.77) were at a lower risk of PB. Women with haemoglobin levels of 12–13 g/dl were at a higher risk of PB (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.06–2.45). There was no significant association between women with haemoglobin levels < 8 g/dl and > 13 g/dl and PB.

Conclusion

This study showed different levels of association between haemoglobin levels and PB.

The Associations of Maternal Hemoglobin Concentration in Different Time Points and Its Changes during Pregnancy with Birth Weight Outcomes

Maternal hemoglobin (Hb) is related to nutritional status, which affects neonatal birth weight. However, it is very common for maternal Hb to fluctuate during pregnancy. To evaluate the associations of maternal Hb in different time points and its changes during pregnancy with neonatal birth weight, small for gestational age (SGA)/low birth weight (LBW) and large for gestational age (LGA)/macrosomia, we conducted this study by using data from the Electronic Medical Record System (EMRS) database of Zhoushan Maternal and Child Care Hospital in Zhejiang province, China. The pregnancy was divided into five periods: first, early-second, mediate-second, late-second, early-third and late-third trimesters; we further calculated the maternal Hb changes during pregnancy. Overall, the socio-demographic characteristics, health-related information and childbirth-related information of 24,183 mother−infant pairs were obtained. The average Hb concentration during the different periods were 123.95 ± 10.14, 117.95 ± 9.84, 114.31 ± 9.03, 113.26 ± 8.82, 113.29 ± 8.68 and 115.01 ± 8.85 g/L, respectively. Significant dose−response relationships between maternal Hb and birth weight were observed in the first, late-second and later trimesters (p non-linear < 0.05). Maternal Hb < 100 g/L was related to a high risk of LGA/macrosomia in the late-second (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.83) and later trimesters; additionally, high maternal Hb (>140 g/L) increased the risk of SGA/LBW in the first (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.57) and late-third trimesters (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.18). In addition, the increase in maternal Hb from the late-second to late-third trimesters had a positive correlation with SGA/LBW. In conclusion, maternal Hb markedly fluctuated during pregnancy; the negative dose−response association of maternal Hb in the late-second and third trimesters, and Hb change during pregnancy with neonatal birth weight outcomes were observed, respectively. Furthermore, the phenomenon of high Hb in the first trimester and after the late-second trimester and the increase of maternal Hb from the late-second to late-third trimesters more significantly increasing the risk of SGA/LBW should especially be given more attention. Its biological mechanism needs to be further explored.

Global Prevalence of Anemia in Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Anemia is one of the most critical health conditions affecting people worldwide. The disease is silent, with a slow progression and a few physical symptoms. Anemia during pregnancy carries the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and fetus malformations and can impose additional costs on society and families. Therefore, the aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women worldwide.

METHODS

In this work, we have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies that have examined the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women globally. The Google Scholar, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Medline (PubMed), and Web of Science (WoS) databases were searched for articles published between 1991 and 2021. The search keywords were anemia, pregnancy, prevalence, and meta-analysis. In order to analyze the eligible studies, the stochastic effects model was used, and the heterogeneity of the studies was examined using the I² index. Data analysis was performed within the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2).

RESULTS

The search resulted in 338 deduplicated studies, of which 52 studies with a total sample size of 1,244,747 people were included in this review. According to the results of the meta-analysis, the overall prevalence of anemia in pregnant women is 36.8% (95% confidence interval: 31.5-42.4%). The highest prevalence of anemia is mild at 70.8 (95% CI 58.1-81) and highest in the third trimester of pregnancy with the prevalence of 48.8 (95% CI 38.7-58.9), while the highest prevalence of anemia in pregnant women was in Africa with the prevalence of 41.7 (95% CI 32.3-49.4).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show a high prevalence of anemia among pregnant women worldwide, and the highest of this prevalence is mild anemia. The prevalence of anemia in the third trimester was higher than in the first and second trimesters. Anemia in pregnant women in developing countries is significantly higher than in developed countries due to pregnancy's economic, sociological, and health factors.

Mapping the Cord Blood Transcriptome of Pregnancies Affected by Early Maternal Anemia to Identify Signatures of Fetal Programming

CONTEXT

Anemia during early pregnancy (EP) is common in developing countries and is associated with adverse health consequences for both mothers and children. Offspring of women with EP anemia often have low birth weight, which increases risk for cardiometabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D), later in life.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to elucidate mechanisms underlying developmental programming of adult cardiometabolic disease, including epigenetic and transcriptional alterations potentially detectable in umbilical cord blood (UCB) at time of birth.

METHODS

We leveraged global transcriptome- and accompanying epigenome-wide changes in 48 UCB from newborns of EP anemic Tanzanian mothers and 50 controls to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in UCB exposed to maternal EP anemia. DEGs were assessed for association with neonatal anthropometry and cord insulin levels. These genes were further studied in expression data from human fetal pancreas and adult islets to understand their role in beta-cell development and/or function.

RESULTS

The expression of 137 genes was altered in UCB of newborns exposed to maternal EP anemia. These putative signatures of fetal programming, which included the birth weight locus LCORL, were potentially mediated by epigenetic changes in 27 genes and associated with neonatal anthropometry. Among the DEGs were P2RX7, PIK3C2B, and NUMBL, which potentially influence beta-cell development. Insulin levels were lower in EP anemia-exposed UCB, supporting the notion of developmental programming of pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and subsequently increased risk of T2D in offspring of mothers with EP anemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide proof-of-concept on distinct transcriptional and epigenetic changes detectable in UCB from newborns exposed to maternal EP anemia.

High hemoglobin level is a risk factor for maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancy in Chinese women: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

To examine the association of hemoglobin (Hb) levels during gestation with the risk of selected adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth (PTB), low-birth-weight infants (LBW) and small-for-gestational-age infants (SGA) in Chinese women.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the Union Shenzhen Hospital of the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, using routinely collected maternity and hospital data on pregnancies (2015-2018). Hb levels were measured during the second (16-18th weeks) and third (28-30th weeks) trimesters of pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded in the hospital information system. Hb levels were categorized into four groups as follows: < 110 g/L, 110-119 g/L, 120-130 g/L, and > 130 g/L. The second group (Hb 110-119 g/L) was defined as the reference group. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 1911 singleton mothers were included. After multivariable adjustment, Hb levels > 130 g/L in the second trimester increased the risk of LBW (odds ratio [OR], 2.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-5.76). In the third trimester of gestation, compared with women whose Hb levels between 110 and 119 g/L, women with Hb levels > 130 g/L had an increased risk of LBW (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.07-4.51) and SGA (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.05-3.80). When we compared the highest and lowest quartiles of changes in the Hb across the second and third trimesters, the adjusted ORs were 0.35 (95% CI: 0.18-0.68) for PTB and 0.47 (95% CI: 0.23-0.98) for LBW.

CONCLUSION

Maternal Hb > 130 g/L was associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Reduction of the risks of PTB and SGA were observed with the appropriate increase of Hb level during the third trimester.

Association of Maternal Longitudinal Hemoglobin with Small for Gestational Age during Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Few studies have investigated the association of maternal longitudinal hemoglobin (Hb) with small for gestational age during pregnancy. The current study examined the associations of maternal Hb concentrations and Hb changes throughout the middle and late stages of pregnancy with small for gestational age (SGA) in a large prospective cohort study. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study, which enrolled pregnant women at 8−16 weeks of gestation and followed up regularly. Maternal Hb concentrations were measured at the middle (14−27 weeks) and late (28−42 weeks) stages of pregnancy, and the Hb change from the middle to late stage of pregnancy was assessed. The Log-Poisson regression model was used to identify the association of maternal Hb with SGA, including the implications of Hb during specific pregnancy periods and Hb change across the middle to late stages of pregnancy. Of the total 3233 singleton live births, 208 (6.4%) were SGA. After adjusting for potential confounders, compared with Hb 110−119 g/L, Hb ≥ 130 g/L at late pregnancy was significantly associated with a higher risk of SGA (adjusted RR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.49, 3.13). When Hb changes from the middle to late stages of pregnancy were classified by tertiles, the greatest change in the Hb group (<−6.0 g/L) was significantly associated with a lower risk of SGA (adjusted RR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.85) compared with the intermediate group (−6.0~1.9 g/L). In conclusion, for women at low risk of iron deficiency, both higher Hb concentrations in late pregnancy and less Hb reduction during pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of SGA.

Comprehensive Anaemia Programme and Personalized Therapies (CAPPT): protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial testing the effect women's groups, home counselling and iron supplementation on haemoglobin in pregnancy in southern Nepal

BACKGROUND

Anaemia in pregnancy remains prevalent in Nepal and causes severe adverse health outcomes.

METHODS

This non-blinded cluster-randomised controlled trial in the plains of Nepal has two study arms: (1) Control: routine antenatal care (ANC); (2) Home visiting, iron supplementation, Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) groups, plus routine ANC. Participants, including women in 54 non-contiguous clusters (mean 2582; range 1299-4865 population) in Southern Kapilbastu district, are eligible if they consent to menstrual monitoring, are resident, married, aged 13-49 years and able to respond to questions. After 1-2 missed menses and a positive pregnancy test, consenting women < 20 weeks' gestation, who plan to reside locally for most of the pregnancy, enrol into trial follow-up. Interventions comprise two home-counselling visits (at 12-21 and 22-26 weeks' gestation) with iron folic acid (IFA) supplement dosage tailored to women's haemoglobin concentration, plus monthly PLA women's group meetings using a dialogical problem-solving approach to engage pregnant women and their families. Home visits and PLA meetings will be facilitated by auxiliary nurse midwives. The hypothesis is as follows: Haemoglobin of women at 30 ± 2 weeks' gestation is ≥ 0.4 g/dL higher in the intervention arm than in the control. A sample of 842 women (421 per arm, average 15.6 per cluster) will provide 88% power, assuming SD 1.2, ICC 0.09 and CV of cluster size 0.27. Outcomes are captured at 30 ± 2 weeks gestation. Primary outcome is haemoglobin concentration (g/dL). Secondary outcomes are as follows: anaemia prevalence (%), mid-upper arm circumference (cm), mean probability of micronutrient adequacy (MPA) and number of ANC visits at a health facility. Indicators to assess pathways to impact include number of IFA tablets consumed during pregnancy, intake of energy (kcal/day) and dietary iron (mg/day), a score of bioavailability-enhancing behaviours and recall of one nutrition knowledge indicator. Costs and cost-effectiveness of the intervention will be estimated from a provider perspective. Using constrained randomisation, we allocated clusters to study arms, ensuring similarity with respect to cluster size, ethnicity, religion and distance to a health facility. Analysis is by intention-to-treat at the individual level, using mixed-effects regression.

DISCUSSION

Findings will inform Nepal government policy on approaches to increase adherence to IFA, improve diets and reduce anaemia in pregnancy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN 12272130 .

Maternal Hemoglobin Concentrations and Birth Weight, Low Birth Weight (LBW), and Small for Gestational Age (SGA): Findings from a Prospective Study in Northwest China

Birth weight and related outcomes have profound influences on life cycle health, but the effect of maternal hemoglobin concentration during pregnancy on birth weight is still unclear. This study aims to reveal the associations between maternal hemoglobin concentrations in different trimesters of pregnancy and neonatal birth weight, LBW, and SGA. This was a prospective study based on a cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted from July 2015 to December 2019 in rural areas of Northwest China. Information on maternal socio-demographic status, health-related factors, antenatal visits, and neonatal birth outcomes were collected. A total of 3748 women and their babies were included in the final analysis. A total of 65.1% and 46.3% of the participants had anemia or hemoglobin ≥ 130 g/L during pregnancy. In the third trimester, maternal hemoglobin concentration was associated with birth weight in an inverted U-shaped curve and with the risks of LBW and SGA in extended U-shaped curves. The relatively higher birth weight and lower risks for LBW and SGA were observed when hemoglobin concentration was 100–110 g/L. When maternal hemoglobin was <70 g/L or >130 g/L, the neonatal birth weight was more than 100 g lower than that when the maternal hemoglobin was 100 g/L. In conclusion, both low and high hemoglobin concentrations in the third trimester could be adverse to fetal weight growth and increase the risks of LBW and SGA, respectively. In addition to severe anemia, maternal hemoglobin >130 g/L in the third trimester should be paid great attention to in the practice of maternal and child health care.

Implementation of a protocol for management of antepartum iron deficiency anemia: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

In randomized trials, antepartum intravenous iron sucrose is effective at improving predelivery hemoglobin in iron deficiency anemia. Yet, there is a gap between this knowledge and its implementation into care.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine if the implementation of a standardized protocol for the management of antepartum anemia outside of a clinical trial improves intravenous iron sucrose utilization and clinical outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a prospective cohort study evaluating the incorporation of an anemia protocol into routine clinical care for women with antepartum hemoglobin <11.0 g/dL. Our protocol, developed with multidisciplinary stakeholders, included (1) serial third trimester hemoglobin assessment, (2) oral iron supplementation for antepartum hemoglobin 9.5-11 g/dL, and (3) antepartum intravenous iron sucrose use (300 mg weekly for 3 weeks) for hemoglobin <9.5 g/dL. We compared 6-months preimplementation (January 2018 to June 2018) to 6-months postimplementation (January 2019 to June 2019). The outcomes evaluated were antepartum intravenous iron sucrose utilization, the number of intravenous iron sucrose dosages, predelivery hemoglobin, and blood transfusion.

RESULTS

A total of 1423 women were included (pre=778; post=645) without significant baseline differences. The antepartum hemoglobin nadir was no different between the groups (pre: 10.2; interquartile range [9.6-10.6] vs post: 10.2; interquartile range [9.6-10.6]; P=.77). The implementation of a standardized protocol for the management of antepartum anemia was associated with 80% increased odds of receiving intravenous iron sucrose than the preimplementation group (pre: 4.8% vs post: 8.2%, P=.008; odds ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, [1.16-2.77]). The implementation of a standardized protocol for the management of antepartum iron deficiency anemia was also associated with higher hemoglobin at admission for delivery (pre: 10.9; interquartile range [10.1-11.6] vs post: 11.0; interquartile range [10.3-11.7], P=.048). There were no significant differences between the groups in blood product transfusion (pre: 7.1% vs post: 5.1%, P=.13).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a standardized antepartum anemia protocol is associated with increased intravenous iron sucrose utilization and improvement in predelivery hemoglobin.

Geographic weighted regression analysis of hot spots of anemia and its associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Ethiopia: A geographic weighted regression analysis and multilevel robust Poisson regression analysis

INTRODUCTION

Anemia among children aged 6-59 months remains a major public health problem in low-and high-income countries including Ethiopia. Anemia is associated with significant consequences on the health of children such as under-five morbidity and mortality, increased risk of infection, and poor academic performance. The prevalence of anemia in Ethiopia has varied across areas. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the geographic weighted regression analysis of anemia and its associated factors among children aged 6-59 months in Ethiopia.

METHODS

This study was based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data. A total weighted sample of 8482 children aged 6-59 months was included. For the spatial analysis, Arc-GIS version 10.7 and SaTScan version 9.6 statistical software were used. Spatial regression was done to identify factors associated with the hotspots of anemia and model comparison was based on adjusted R2 and Corrected Akaike Information Criteria (AICc). For the associated factors, the multilevel robust Poisson regression was fitted since the prevalence of anemia was greater than 10%. Variables with a p-value < 0.2 in the bi-variable analysis were considered for the multivariable analysis. In the multivariable multilevel robust Poisson regression analysis, the adjusted prevalence ratio with the 95% confidence interval was reported to declare the statistical significance and strength of association.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anemia among children aged 6-59 months was 57.56% (95%CI: 56.50%, 58.61%) with significant spatial variation across regions in Ethiopia. The significant hot spot areas of anemia among children aged 6-59 months were detected in the central, west, and east Afar, Somali, Dire Dawa, Harari, and northwest Gambella regions. Mothers who had anemia, a child aged 23-59 months, mothers aged 15-19 years, and coming from a household with a poorer or poorest household were significant predictors of the spatial variations of anemia among children aged 6-59 months. In the multilevel robust Poisson analysis, born to mothers aged 30-39 (APR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.76, 0.92) and 40-49 years (APR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.65, 0.83), mothers who didn't have formal education (APR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.20), Children in the poorest household wealth index (APR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.29), being 4-6 (APR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.13) and above 6 order of birth (APR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.23), children born to anemic mothers (APR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.29), children aged 24-59 months (APR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.73), stunted children (APR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.13) and underweight children (APR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.13) were significantly associated with anemia among children aged 6-59 months.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Anemia is still a public health problem for children in Ethiopia. Residing in a geographic area where a high proportion of children born to mothers aged 15-19 years, a child aged 6-23 months, coming from a household with poorer or poorest wealth index, and mothers with anemia increased the risk of experiencing anemia among children aged 6-59 months. Maternal education, maternal age, child age, household wealth, stunting, underweight, birth order, and maternal anemia were significant predictors of anemia among children. The detailed map of anemia hot spots among children aged 6-59 months and its predictors could assist program planners and decision-makers to design targeted public health interventions.

Maternal anemia and severe maternal morbidity in a US cohort

BACKGROUND

Maternal anemia is a common pregnancy complication and often leads to a requirement for additional treatments and interventions. Identifying the frequency at which women with antenatally diagnosed anemia experience severe morbidity at the time of admission to the labor and delivery unit will guide future recommendations regarding screening and interventions for anemia during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between antenatally diagnosed anemia and severe maternal morbidity as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in a large, contemporary, US cohort. Neonatal outcomes were also examined.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a secondary analysis of the Consortium on Safe Labor database from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which collected data on 228,438 deliveries in 19 United States hospitals from 2002 to 2008. This analysis included women with viable, singleton gestations and excluded stillbirths and gestations with severe congenital anomalies. Women with a diagnosis of antenatal anemia were compared with those without. Identification of diagnoses of antenatal anemia was obtained via electronic medical record abstraction and International Classification of Diseases coding according to each hospital protocol within the Consortium on Safe Labor. The primary maternal outcome consisted of a composite of severe maternal morbidity as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and included maternal death, eclampsia, thrombosis, transfusion, hysterectomy, and maternal intensive care unit admission. The primary neonatal outcome was a composite that included a 5-minute Apgar score of <7, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, periventricular or intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal sepsis, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and neonatal death. Each outcome within the composites was assessed individually along with other additional secondary outcomes, including a composite of severe maternal morbidity not including transfusion morbidity. All statistical analyses were performed with Stata version 14.2 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX) using Student's t test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney U) test, as appropriate. A multivariable logistic regression was performed with potential confounding variables entered into the regression equation if they differed between groups at a significance level of P<.05.

RESULTS

A total of 166,566 women met the inclusion criteria. From the original cohort, 56,734 women could not be included because of an unknown diagnosis of anemia. Of those included, 10,217 (6.1%) were diagnosed with anemia during the pregnancy. Women with anemia were more likely to be younger, non-Hispanic Black, single, multiparous, and have a higher prepregnancy body mass index than those without anemia. The frequency of the primary maternal composite outcome, the neonatal composite outcome, and other secondary outcomes including the severe maternal morbidity composite not including transfusion, maternal death, transfusion during labor and the postpartum period, hysterectomy, postpartum hemorrhage, infectious morbidity, cesarean delivery, and preterm delivery were more common in women with anemia (P<.05). After multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for confounders, higher rates of severe maternal morbidity remained persistently associated with anemia (adjusted odds ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.86-2.23) in addition to the association of anemia with the severe maternal morbidity composite not including transfusion, maternal death, thrombosis, transfusion, hysterectomy, intensive care unit admission, postpartum hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, cesarean delivery, and infectious morbidity. The composite neonatal outcome also remained associated with anemia after adjusting for confounders (adjusted odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.23).

CONCLUSION

Women with antepartum anemia experienced increased rates of severe maternal morbidity and other serious adverse outcomes. Diagnosis and treatment of anemia during the antepartum period may lead to the identification and treatment of women at higher risk for maternal morbidity and mortality.

What are the causes for low birthweight in Japan? A single hospital-based study

Low-birthweight (LBW; <2,500 g) babies are at a higher risk of poor educational achievement, disability, and metabolic diseases than normal-birthweight babies in the future. However, reliable data on factors that contribute to LBW have not been considered previously. Therefore, we aimed to examine the distribution of the causes for LBW. A retrospective review of cases involving 4,224 babies whose mothers underwent perinatal care at Keio University Hospital between 2013 and 2019 was conducted. The LBW incidence was 24% (1,028 babies). Of the 1,028 LBW babies, 231 babies were from multiple pregnancies. Of the 797 singleton LBW babies, 518 (65%) were born preterm. Obstetric complications in women with preterm LBW babies included premature rupture of membrane or labor onset (31%), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP, 64%), fetal growth restriction (24%), non-reassuring fetal status (14%), and placental previa/vasa previa (8%). Of the 279 term LBW babies, 109 (39%) were small for gestational age. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed the following factors as LBW risk factors in term neonates: low pre-pregnancy maternal weight, inadequate gestational weight gain, birth at 37 gestational weeks, HDP, anemia during pregnancy, female sex, and neonatal congenital anomalies. HDP was an LBW risk factor not only in preterm births but also in term births. Our results suggest that both modifiable and non-modifiable factors are causes for LBW. It may be appropriate to consider a heterogeneous rather than a simple classification of LBW and to evaluate future health risks based on contributing factors.

Ironing out mechanisms of iron homeostasis and disorders of iron deficiency

Iron plays an important role in mammalian physiological processes. It is a critical component for the function of many proteins, including enzymes that require heme and iron-sulfur clusters. However, excess iron is also detrimental because of its ability to catalyze the formation of reactive oxygen species. As a result, cellular and systemic iron levels are tightly regulated to prevent oxidative damage. Iron deficiency can lead to a number of pathological conditions, the most prominent being anemia. Iron deficiency should be corrected to improve adult patients' symptoms and to facilitate normal growth during fetal development and childhood. However, inappropriate use of intravenous iron in chronic conditions, such as cancer and heart failure, in the absence of clear iron deficiency can lead to unwanted side effects. Thus, this form of therapy should be reserved for certain patients who cannot tolerate oral iron and need rapid iron replenishment. Here, we will review cellular and systemic iron homeostasis and will discuss complications of iron deficiency.

Maternal anaemia and risk of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes in South Asian countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The occurrence of maternal anaemia is common in South Asian countries which increase the risk of adverse maternal obstetric and birth outcomes. This may adversely affect the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDG) targets of reducing maternal and under-five deaths by 2030.

Objectives

To summarize the evidence on the association of maternal anaemia with adverse birth and maternal obstetric outcomes.

Methods

We adopted the PRISMA consensus statement. PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science databases were searched on February 20, 2020. A total of 38 studies was included, of which 25 articles were included in the quantitative synthesis and meta-analysis.

Results

Maternal anaemia was associated with a significantly higher risk of low birth weight (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.06-2.60, p ​< ​0.05), preterm birth (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.20-2.41, p ​< ​0.05) and perinatal mortality (OR, 2.90; 1.97-3.78, p ​< ​0.05). Non-significant associations were seen with neonatal mortality (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 0.90-27.77, p ​= ​0.7), miscarriage (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 0.48-3.20, p ​= ​0.08), preeclampsia (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 0.61-11.52, p ​= ​0.6) and caesarean delivery (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.36-2.80, p ​= ​0.07).

Conclusion

Maternal anaemia increases the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth and perinatal mortality. Improving maternal nutritional status and iron supplementation during pregnancy are important for reducing these adverse outcomes.

Association between maternal hemoglobin concentration and placental weight to birthweight ratio: The Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS)

INTRODUCTION

Past studies have shown that maternal anemia is associated with a heavy placenta or a higher placental weight/birthweight (PW/BW) ratio. Although these findings suggest a non-linear relationship between maternal hemoglobin concentration and PW/BW ratio, this relationship has not been closely examined.

METHODS

We evaluated 83,354 singletons and their mothers in a nation-wide birth cohort study, the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). The associations between maternal hemoglobin concentration and placental weight, birthweight, and PW/BW ratio were assessed.

RESULTS

Mean placental weight was significantly higher in women with moderate or severe anemia (576 [183] g), but not in women with elevated hemoglobin levels (564 [117] g), compared with in women with normal hemoglobin levels (560 [115] g). In contrast, mean PW/BW ratio was significantly higher in women with moderate or severe anemia (0.190 [0.049]) or elevated hemoglobin levels (0.189 [0.033]) than in women with normal hemoglobin levels (0.185 [0.033]). In a regression analysis with cubic spline, a U-shaped relationship was found between maternal hemoglobin concentration and PW/BW ratio.

DISCUSSION

We demonstrated non-linear and concentration-dependent relationships between maternal hemoglobin concentration and placental weight, birthweight, and PW/BW ratio. Although the mechanisms underlying these associations are not fully understood, we suggest that low or elevated hemoglobin concentration may lead to placental compensatory hypertrophy and fetal growth restriction. Prevention and proper management of anemia before and during pregnancy are important for a well-functioning placenta and favorable fetal growth.

Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy: Novel Approaches for an Old Problem

Iron needs increase exponentially during pregnancy to meet the increased demands of the fetoplacental unit, to expand maternal erythrocyte mass, and to compensate for iron loss at delivery. In more than 80% of countries in the world, the prevalence of anemia in pregnancy is > 20% and could be considered a major public health problem. The global prevalence of anemia in pregnancy is estimated to be approximately 41.8%. Undiagnosed and untreated iron deficiency anemia (IDA) can have a great impact on maternal and fetal health. Indeed, chronic iron deficiency can affect the general wellbeing of the mother and leads to fatigue and reduced working capacity. Given the significant adverse impact on maternal-fetal outcomes, early recognition and treatment of this clinical condition is fundamental. Therefore, the laboratory assays are recommended from the first trimester to evaluate the iron status. Oral iron supplementation is the first line of treatment in cases of mild anemia. However, considering the numerous gastrointestinal side effects that often lead to poor compliance, other therapeutic strategies should be evaluated. This review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence about the management of IDA in pregnancy and available treatment options.

Preconception Hb concentration with risk of spontaneous abortion: a population-based cohort study in over 3·9 million women across rural China

OBJECTIVE

Evidence on the relationship between maternal Hb concentration and spontaneous abortion (SA) risk is limited and conflicting. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether maternal preconception anaemia or high Hb concentration is associated with risk of SA.

DESIGN

A population-based cohort study established between 2013 and 2017.

SETTINGS

Local maternal and child care service centres in each county.

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 3 971 428 women aged 20-49 years, who participated in National Free Pre-Pregnancy Checkups Project from 2013 to 2016 and successfully got pregnant before 2017 in rural China.

RESULTS

A total of 101 700 (2·56 %) women were recorded having SA, with highest SA rate in women with severe anaemia (4·58 %). Compared with women with Hb of 110-149 g/l, the multivariable-adjusted OR for SA was 1·52 (95 % CI: 1·25, 1·86) for women with Hb < 70 g/l, 0·92 (0·84, 1·01) for 70-99 g/l, 0·80 (0·77, 0·83) for 100-109 g/l, 1·11 (1·08, 1·15) for 150-159 g/l, 1·12 (1·04, 1·20) for 160-169 g/l and 1·02 (0·93, 1·12) for ≥ 170 g/l, respectively. An approximate U-shaped curve for the risk of SA with Hb concentrations was observed when Hb concentrations less than 145 g/l, above which the association plateaued (Pnon-linear < 0·001).

CONCLUSIONS

Severe anaemia and high Hb concentration before pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of SA. Women with mild anaemia prior to pregnancy had lower risk of SA. Underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.

Association of maternal anthropometry, hemoglobin and serum zinc concentration during pregnancy with birth weight

Low birthweight (LBW) infants in general are at greater risk of early mortality. Evidence also suggests increased risk of lifelong adverse health and social consequences of LBW. Several bio-psychosocial variables influence birth weight; identifying significant influencers is important to develop effective interventions. Pregnant women (n = 341), in the first eight weeks of pregnancy, visiting antenatal care units in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia were recruited and followed until delivery. Socio-demographic and economic condition, parity, household food security, dietary intake, iron-folic acid supplementation, and maternal anthropometric measurement were captured. In addition, hemoglobin and serum zinc concentration were determined. Furthermore, birth weight was recorded. During the first trimester, 10.9% participants were underweight, 19.4% were overweight, and 3.5% were obese. Low serum zinc was found in 36.7% of women. In addition, 18.4% of women were anemic. Two-third of women had less than the minimum adequate dietary diversity. Of the newborns (n = 329), 13.4% were underweight. Maternal mid upper arm circumference (MUAC), body mass index (BMI), serum zinc and hemoglobin concentration, and amount of money spent on food were positively correlated with birth weight (p < 0.05).The odds of LBW were greater among women with low hemoglobin concentration [AOR 4.8, 95% CI 1.7-13.4, p = 0.002] or MUAC <23 cm [AOR 3.4, 95% CI 1.2-11.0, p = 0.03] in the first trimester, and those not taking iron-folic acid supplement during the second trimester [AOR 0.2, 95% CI 0.02-0.4, p < 0.001]. Various maternal and household factors were associated with the odds of LBW, and intervention studies are required to determine causality.

Prevalence of anaemia and low intake of dietary nutrients in pregnant women living in rural and urban areas in the Ashanti region of Ghana

Background

Anaemia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women and children worldwide. Because deficiencies in essential micronutrients such as iron, folate and vitamin B12 prior to and during gestation increase a woman’s risk of being anaemic, adequate dietary intake of such nutrients is vital during this important phase in life. However, information on the dietary micronutrient intakes of pregnant women in Ghana, particularly of those resident in rural areas is scanty. Thus, this study aimed to assess anaemia prevalence and dietary micronutrient intakes in pregnant women in urban and rural areas in Ghana.

Methods

A comparative cross sectional study design involving 379 pregnant women was used to assess the prevalence of anaemia and low intake of dietary nutrients in pregnant women living in rural and urban areas in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Anaemia status and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) were used as proxy for maternal nutritional status. Haemoglobin measurements were used to determine anaemia prevalence and the dietary diversity of the women were determined with a 24-hour dietary recall and a food frequency questionnaire.

Results

Overall, anaemia was present in 56.5% of the study population. Anaemia prevalence was higher among rural residents than urban dwellers. Majority of the respondents had inadequate intakes of iron, zinc, folate, calcium and vitamin A. The mean dietary diversity score (DDS) of the study population from the first 24-hour recall was 3.81 ± 0.7. Of the 379 women, 28.8% met the minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W). The independent predictors of haemoglobin concentration were, gestational age, maternal age and dietary diversity score. Such that respondents with low DDS were more likely to be anaemic than those with high DDS (OR = 1.795, p = 0.022, 95% CI: 1.086 to 2.967).

Conclusions

A large percentage of pregnant women still have insufficient dietary intakes of essential nutrients required to support the nutritional demands during pregnancy. Particularly, pregnant women resident in rural areas require interventions such as nutrition education on the selection and preparation of diversified meals to mitigate the effects of undernutrition.

Blood Support for Fertility, Pregnancy, and Postpartum Using Acupuncture from Ancient Medical Texts' Theory

Conventional medicine suggests that adequate maternal blood is essential for a woman to become pregnant, maintain a healthy pregnancy to term, and recover postpartum. Adequate blood is recognized for successful embryo attachment and to provide fetal nourishment to support the fetus' continued growth and development. It is common for women desiring pregnancy to take folic acid and sometimes iron to support their blood. Energetic medicine, particularly phytotherapy, offers many therapeutic options to treat the blood, particularly in reproductive medicine. Acupuncture, however, is not as commonly considered on its own for building, preserving, and protecting the Blood, although this modality may be more utilized for treating Blood Stasis and pain conditions such as endometriosis. A synthesis of the ancient medical texts written 4000 bc to 1619 ad-as taught by Tran Viet Dzung, MD, and Nguyen Van Nghi, MD, scholars of the ancient medical texts-offers many clinically relevant acupuncture therapies to consider when treating the Blood to support fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. This article offers advanced acupuncture techniques clinically used to build, preserve, and protect the Blood-derived from a synthesis of basic Energetic concepts mentioned throughout the ancient medical texts-that can be applied in clinics and research in reproductive medicine today. Acupuncture points with reasons for using them are reviewed with examples in application and treatment to support the infertile, pregnant, and postpartum patient. The acupuncture treatment methods offered in this article have been used throughout the world by medical acupuncturists trained by Drs. Viet Dzung and Van Nghi with positive clinical results. Further clinical observation and research is warranted to evaluate the full potential for acupuncture to build and preserve the Blood, an essential component for creating life in preparing for, preserving, and recovering from pregnancy.

Maternal and Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality Associated With Anemia in Pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence of anemia in pregnancy and compare the maternal and perinatal outcomes of women with and without anemia.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study on all pregnant women in British Columbia who had a live birth or stillbirth at or after 20 weeks of gestation between 2004 and 2016. Women were diagnosed with anemia based on two criteria: third-trimester hemoglobin value or a delivery admission diagnosis of anemia (made before delivery). Anemia was categorized into no anemia (hemoglobin 11 g/dL or greater), mild (9-10.9 g/dL), moderate (7-8.9 g/dL), severe (less than 7 g/dL), or anemia of unspecified severity (with diagnosis made before delivery). Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% CIs expressing the association between anemia and maternal and perinatal outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 515,270 women in the study population, 65,906 (12.8%) had anemia: 11.8%, 0.43%, and 0.02% had mild, moderate, and severe anemia, respectively, and 0.58% had anemia of unspecified severity. Anemic women had longer hospitalization duration and more antenatal admissions, and rates of preeclampsia, placenta previa and cesarean delivery were higher among women with anemia. The intrapartum-postpartum blood transfusion rate was 5.1 per 1,000 among women without anemia, and higher among women with anemia (aOR 2.45, 95% CI 1.74-3.45 for mild anemia; 21.3, 95% CI 12.2-37.3 for moderate anemia; not analyzable for severe anemia; and 48.3, 95% CI 6.60-353.9 for anemia of unspecified severity). Anemia was associated with preterm birth (mild anemia, aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.12; moderate anemia, aOR 2.26, 95% CI 2.02-2.54; anemia of unspecified severity, aOR 2.27, 95% CI 2.06-2.50), small-for-gestational-age live birth, low 5-minute Apgar score, neonatal death, and perinatal death.

CONCLUSION

Maternal anemia in pregnancy represents a common and potentially reversible risk factor associated with antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum maternal morbidity and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

The Effect of Iron Deficiency Anemia Early in the Third Trimester on Small for Gestational Age and Birth Weight: A Retrospective Cohort Study on Iron Deficiency Anemia and Fetal Weight

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and small for gestational age (SGA) in early third trimester pregnancies.

Methods

A total of 4800 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed retrospectively. We included pregnant women who had iron deficiency anemia between 26⁺⁰ and 30⁺⁰ weeks of gestation and delivered singletons between 37⁺⁰ and 41⁺⁶ weeks of gestation. Patients were divided into four groups according to anemia level: (1) hemoglobin (Hb) < 7 mg/dl (n = 80), (2) Hb 7–9.9 mg/dl (n = 320), (3) Hb 10–10.9 mg/dl (n = 1300), and (4) Hb > 11 mg/dl (n = 3100, control group). The primary outcome of this study was the presence of SGA.

Results

The demographic and obstetric characteristics were similar among all the groups. Maternal age, BMI <30 kg/m², nulliparity rates, and previous cesarean delivery rates were similar among groups. Ethnicity was significantly different in the severe and moderate anemia groups (<0.001). Mean fetal weight was 2900 ± 80 g in the severe anemia group, 3050 ± 100 g in the moderate anemia group, 3350 ± 310 g in the mild anemia group, and 3400 ± 310 g in the control group. Fetal weight was significantly lower in the severe and moderate anemia groups compared to the mild anemia and control groups (<0.001). The SGA rate was 18.7% in the severe anemia group, 12.1% in the moderate anemia group, 5.3% in the mild anemia group, and 4.9% in the control group. SGA was significantly higher in the severe and moderate anemia groups compared to the mild anemia and control groups (<0.001).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicated that early third trimester severe and moderate iron deficiency anemia was associated with SGA. Iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women may lead to low birth weight.

Effectiveness of antepartum intravenous iron sucrose: dose timing and impact on outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Studies have demonstrated that antepartum intravenous iron sucrose infusion (IVFe) is safe and improves predelivery hemoglobin (Hb). Yet, there is little data guiding timing of administration or number of doses required to be impactful. We sought to determine if timing of antepartum IVFe and number of doses provided impacts efficacy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of women who obtained prenatal care and delivered at our institution 10/1/2015-10/30/2017. Women with a third-trimester hemoglobin (Hb) < 9.5 g/dL were included. Women with hemoglobinopathies and those who received an antepartum blood transfusion were excluded. Women receiving ≥1 antepartum 300 mg IVFe dose were considered in the IVFe group.

RESULTS

Five-hundred-twenty-three (6.1%) of 8563 delivering women were included. Sixty-five (12.4%) of included women received IVFe. By timing of IVFe, the earlier IVFe was received before delivery, the greater the median Hb increase (No IVFe: Δ0.8g/dL, IVFe 0-1 weeks predelivery: Δ0.05 g/dL, 1-2 weeks: Δ0.9 g/dL, 2-4 weeks: Δ1.5 g/dL, 4-6 weeks: Δ1.8 g/dL, 6-8 weeks: Δ1.8 g/dL, 8-12 weeks: Δ2.75 g/dL, p = .0001). When comparing each stratum to the No IVFe group, only those receiving IVFe >2 weeks before delivery had a significant increase in Hb level from third trimester to delivery. By the number of IVFe doses, increasing administrations incrementally impacted Hb difference from third trimester to delivery, with only those receiving at least 3 doses demonstrating statistically significant Hb change compared to the No IVFe group.

CONCLUSION

Antepartum IVFe effectively increases Hb from the third trimester to delivery admission when administered 2-12 weeks predelivery. There is increasing benefit the further out the IVFe is administered and with an increasing number of doses. Initiatives to combat antepartum anemia should focus on early detection and treatment to best optimize outcomes.

Maternal and severe anaemia in delivering women is associated with risk of preterm and low birth weight: A cross sectional study from Jharkhand, India

Background and objectives

Haemoglobin content is the well accepted indicator for anaemia assessment. The high prevalence of anaemia, maternal health care issues and adverse delivery outcome in Jharkhand, we investigated whether delivering women with anaemia would present a modifiable risk of preterm (PTB) and low birth weight (LBW).

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study involving pregnant women, with screening for pregnancy endpoints and haemoglobin assay, were conducted. Anaemia was classified according to World Health Organization's definition of anaemia in pregnancy. Confounding variables were adjusted in a logistic model. The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used for analyzing the association among maternal anaemia, PTB and LBW.

Results

We observed a high prevalence of anaemia (78.45%) in delivering women, whereas high prevalence of preterm birth (34.75%) and LBW (32.81%) in delivering women overall. In the adjusted analysis, overall anaemia in pregnancy was strongly associated with preterm birth (OR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.98–5.88; P ≤ .0001) as compared to LBW (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.65–1.61; P = .0003). The risk of PTB and LBW were dependent on the stratification of the anaemia group, as the strongest association was observed in severe (OR, 4.86) followed by mild (OR, 3.66) and moderate (OR, 3.18) anaemia in PTB; whereas risk of LBW was found in severe (OR, 2.5) followed by moderate (OR, 1.11) and mild (OR, 0.57) anaemia. The risk of PTB and LBW across six pregnancy haemoglobin groups were compared, haemoglobin of 10–10.9 g/dl (OR, 1.25) and ≤ 8 g/dl (OR, 1.03) have shown association with PTB and LBW, respectively. However, high haemoglobin concentration was not associated with either PTB or LBW.

Conclusions

Anaemia in delivering women was associated with an elevated risk of PTB and LBW and the risk increased with the severity of anaemia in pregnant women.

FOETAL for NCD-FOetal Exposure and Epidemiological Transitions: the role of Anaemia in early Life for Non-Communicable Diseases in later life: a prospective preconception study in rural Tanzania

PURPOSE

Low-income and middle-income countries such as Tanzania experience a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including anaemia. Studying if and how anaemia affects growth, placenta development, epigenetic patterns and newborns' risk of NCDs may provide approaches to prevent NCDs.

PARTICIPANTS

The FOETALforNCD (FOetal Exposure and Epidemiological Transitions: the role of Anaemia in early Life for Non-Communicable Diseases in later life) Study is a population-based preconception, pregnancy and birth cohort study (n=1415, n=538, n=427, respectively), conducted in a rural region of North-East Tanzania. All participants were recruited prior to conception or early in pregnancy and followed throughout pregnancy as well as at birth. Data collection included: maternal blood, screening for NCDs and malaria, ultrasound in each trimester, neonatal anthropometry at birth and at 1 month of age, cord blood, placental and cord biopsies for stereology and epigenetic analyses.

FINDINGS TO DATE

At preconception, the average age, body mass index and blood pressure of the women were 28 years, 23 kg/m² and 117/75 mm Hg, respectively. In total, 458 (36.7%) women had anaemia (haemoglobin Hb <12 g/dL) and 34 (3.6%) women were HIV-positive at preconception. During pregnancy 359 (66.7%) women had anaemia of which 85 (15.8%) women had moderate-to-severe anaemia (Hb ≤9 g/dL) and 33 (6.1%) women had severe anaemia (Hb ≤8 g/dL). In total, 185 (34.4%) women were diagnosed with malaria during pregnancy.

FUTURE PLANS

The project will provide new knowledge on how health, even before conception, might modify the risk of developing NCDs and how to promote better health during pregnancy. The present project ended data collection 1 month after giving birth, but follow-up is continuing through regular monitoring of growth and development and health events according to the National Road Map Strategic Plan in Tanzania. This data will link fetal adverse event to childhood development, and depending on further grant allocation, through a life course follow-up.

The Benefits and Risks of Iron Supplementation in Pregnancy and Childhood

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency in the world and disproportionately affects pregnant women and young children. Iron deficiency has negative effects on pregnancy outcomes in women and on immune function and neurodevelopment in children. Iron supplementation programs have been successful in reducing this health burden. However, iron supplementation of iron-sufficient individuals is likely not necessary and may carry health risks for iron-sufficient and potentially some iron-deficient populations. This review considers the physiology of iron as a nutrient and how this physiology informs decision-making about weighing the benefits and risks of iron supplementation in iron-deficient, iron-sufficient, and iron-overloaded pregnant women and children.

Maternal hemoglobin concentrations across pregnancy and maternal and child health: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Maternal anemia is a well‐recognized global health problem; however, there remain questions on specific hemoglobin (Hb) thresholds that predict health risk or protection for mother and child. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine the associations of maternal Hb concentrations with a range of maternal and infant health outcomes, accounting for the timing of measurement (preconception, and first, second, and third trimesters), etiology of anemia, and cutoff category. The systematic review included 272 studies and the meta‐analysis included 95 studies. Low maternal Hb (<110 g/L) was associated with poor birth outcomes (low birth weight, preterm birth, small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA), stillbirth, and perinatal and neonatal mortality) and adverse maternal outcomes (postpartum hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and blood transfusion). High maternal Hb (>130 g/L) was associated with increased odds of SGA, stillbirth, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Relationships varied by the timing of measurement and cutoff category (stronger associations with lower cutoffs); limited data were available on anemia etiology. There were insufficient data for other maternal outcomes and long‐term child health outcomes. Current data are insufficient for determining if revisions to current Hb cutoffs are required. Pooled high‐quality individual‐level data analyses, as well as prospective cohort studies, would be valuable to inform the reevaluation of Hb cutoffs.

Anemia in late pregnancy induces an adaptive response in fetoplacental vascularization

INTRODUCTION

Anemia during pregnancy may compromise fetal and newborn's health, however, little is known about how and when the fetoplacental vascularization is most vulnerable to anemia.

METHODS

Using systematic and isotropic uniform random sampling, placental samples were collected from 189 placentas in a cohort study of Tanzanian women whose hemoglobin concentration was measured throughout pregnancy. Fetoplacental vessels and villi were defined as exerting either a transport or diffusion function. The vascularization patterns for transport and diffusion vessels and villi were assessed by stereology. Blood vessel length, surface area and diffusion distance as well as placental villi volume were calculated.

RESULTS

Anemia from a gestational age of 23 weeks was significantly associated with increased fetoplacental vascularization in vessels and villi compared to women who were non-anemic throughout pregnancy. Transport surface vessel area: 0.31 m² [95% CI: 0.18-0.55], P = 0.01; Transport villi volume 19.8 cm³ [95% CI: 6.37-33.2], P = 0.004, Transport vessel diameter 7.23 μm [95% CI: 1.23-13.3], P = 0.02. Diffusion vessel surface: 3.23 m² [95% CI: 1.55-4.91], P < 0.001 and diffusion villi volume: 29.8 cm³ [95% CI: 10.0-49.5], P = 0.003). Finally, all the measured transport vessel and villi significantly parameters and diffusion vessel surface, vessel diameter and diffusion distance were associated with birth weight.

DISCUSSION

Increased fetoplacental vascularization related to anemia from a gestational age of 23 weeks in pregnancy together with the association between fetoplacental vascularity and birth weight suggest that the timing of anemia determines the effect on fetoplacental vascularization and underlines the clinical relevance for proper development of fetoplacental vasculature.

The effect of first trimester hemoglobin levels on pregnancy outcomes

Objective

The relationship between hemoglobin levels and pregnancy outcomes is still a challenging issue. There is a supported opinion about the increased adverse pregnancy outcomes both with low and high hemoglobin levels. In this study, we aimed to evaluate this association for first trimester hemoglobin levels in a Turkish population.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, 1306 women who were followed up during their pregnancy and gave birth in our clinic were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups: hemoglobin <11 g/dL (n=490), 11≤ hemoglobin <13 g/dL (n=673), and hemoglobin ≥13 g/dL (n=143). The hemoglobin <11 g/dL group was classified into two subgroups as hemoglobin ≤9 g/dL (n=64) and hemoglobin >9 g/dL (n=426). Demographic characteristics, first trimester hemoglobin levels, gestational age at delivery and mode, birth weight, Apgar scores, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded and compared between the groups.

Results

Pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm birth, neonatal intensive care unit admission, birth weight, gestational age at delivery, Apgar scores, and postpartum hemorrhage were significantly different between the three groups. In the pairwise comparison, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, and first minute Apgar scores were higher in the 11≤ hemoglobin <13 g/dL group, and pregnancy-induced hypertension was more common in the hemoglobin ≥13 g/dL group as compared with the others. Moreover, the preterm delivery rate was highest in the hemoglobin ≥13 g/dL (26.6%) group and lowest (7.3%) in the 11≤ hemoglobin <13 g/dL group. The neonatal intensive care unit admission rate was higher both the hemoglobin <11 g/dL and hemoglobin ≥13 g/dL groups. Postpartum hemorrhage was more common in the hemoglobin <11 g/dL group as compared with the other groups. Furthermore, pregnancy-induced hypertension was more common in the hemoglobin ≤9 g/dL subgroup (p=0.012).

Conclusion

In conclusion, both low and high hemoglobin levels are related with adverse pregnancy outcomes. We suggest that hemoglobin levels must be screened during pregnancy to provide maternal and fetal well-being.

Impact and management of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in women's health

INTRODUCTION

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are highly prevalent among women throughout their lives. Some females are particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency/iron deficiency anemia, including those with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and pregnant/postpartum women. Despite the high prevalence of iron deficiency/iron deficiency anemia in women, the condition is still underdiagnosed and therefore undertreated, with serious clinical consequences. Areas covered: The following review examines the impact of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia on clinical outcomes and quality of life in women from adolescence to post-menopause, paying particular attention to guidelines and current recommendations for diagnostic tests and management. Expert commentary: There are numerous adverse health consequences of an iron-deficient state, affecting all aspects of the physical and emotional health and well-being of women. Guidelines must be developed to help clinicians better identify and treat women at risk of iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia, particularly those with HMB, or who are pregnant or postpartum. Replacement therapy with oral or intravenous iron preparations is the mainstay of treatment for iron deficiency/iron deficiency anemia, with red blood cell transfusion reserved for emergency situations. Each iron therapy type is associated with benefits and limitations which impact their use.

Preconception Hb concentration and risk of preterm birth in over 2·7 million Chinese women aged 20-49 years: a population-based cohort study

Evidence on the association between maternal Hb concentration and preterm birth (PTB) risk is inconclusive. This paper aimed to explore whether women with anaemia or high Hb level before pregnancy would be at higher risk of PTB. We conducted a population-based cohort study with 2 722 274 women aged 20-49 years, who participated in National Free Pre-Pregnancy Checkups Project between 2013 and 2015 and delivered a singleton before 2016 in rural China. Logistic models were used to estimate OR and 95 % CI after adjusting for confounding variables. Restricted cubic spline models were applied to evaluate the dose-response relationships. A total of 192 819 (7·08 %) women had preterm deliveries. Compared with women with Hb of 110-149 g/l, the multivariable-adjusted OR for PTB was 1·19 (95 % CI 0·98, 1·44) for women with Hb<70 g/l, 1·01 (95 % CI 0·97, 1·03) for 70-99 g/l, 0·96 (95 % CI 0·95, 0·98) for 100-109 g/l, 1·04 (95 % CI 1·01, 1·06) for 150-159 g/l, 1·11 (95 % CI 1·05, 1·17) for 160-169 g/l and 1·19 (95 % CI 1·11, 1·27) for ≥170 g/l, respectively. The multivariable-adjusted OR for very PTB (VPTB) was 1·07 (95 % CI 1·03, 1·12) and 1·06 (95 % CI 1·01, 1·12) for women with Hb <110 and ≥150 g/l, compared with those with Hb of 110-149 g/l, respectively. Our study identified a U-shaped relationship between maternal preconception Hb concentration and PTB risk. Both preconception anaemia and high Hb level can significantly increase VPTB risk. Appropriate intervention for women with abnormal Hb levels before pregnancy is very necessary.

Maternal Anemia and Low Birth Weight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To systematically analyze the relationship between maternal anemia and low birth weight. Methods: A search of studies was conducted in the main databases (Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Lilacs), the gray literature, and the reference lists of selected articles. Cohort and case-control studies that met the eligibility criteria were included in the review. There was no limitation on the language or date of publication. Article selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Meta-analyses with random effects, subgroup analyses and meta-regressions were performed. Publication bias was measured using Egger regression and visual funnel plot inspection. Results: A total of 7243 articles were found, of which 71 comprised the systematic review and 68 were included in the meta-analyses. Maternal anemia was associated with low birth weight with an adjusted OR: 1.23 (95% CI: 1.06–1.43) and I²: 58%. The meta-regressions confirmed that the sample size and the methodological quality may partially explain the statistical heterogeneity. Conclusions: Maternal anemia was considered a risk factor for low birth weight.