Effect of Iron replacement therapy in Pregnant Beta Thalassemia Carrier Patients with Coexisting Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and β -Thalassemia trait are two prevalent etiologies of microcytic hypochromic anemia. Pregnant women with IDA face significant risk of short-term and long-term complications for mother and newborns. The incidence of concurrent thalassaemia trait and iron deficiency was reported to be quite high but despite the high prevalence of these two conditions, the diagnosis is often underestimated and not properly managed.

OBJECTIVE; The present study was conducted to evaluate impact of iron therapy in pregnant beta thalassemia minor patients with iron deficiency anemia.

METHODS; Study Group constitutes 60 beta thalassemia trait pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) with Hb less than 11g/dl, HbA₂ levels >3.5% on HPLC  and low serum ferritin (<30 ng/mL).After the initial investigations, participants received iron supplementation as 60 mg elemental iron three times daily for duration of 8 weeks. After completing therapy, complete blood count and serum ferritin were performed.

RESULTS; Iron replacement therapy results in effective increment in hemoglobin, red cell indices and Serum ferritin.

CONCLUSION; Pregnant women with beta-thalassemia minor combined with IDA can receive Iron replacement therapy for improvement in Hemoglobin effectively.