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Review
. 2017 Dec 8;2017(1):152-159.
doi: 10.1182/asheducation-2017.1.152.

Iron deficiency in gynecology and obstetrics: clinical implications and management

Christian Breymann  1 , Michael Auerbach  2   3
Affiliations
Review

Iron deficiency in gynecology and obstetrics: clinical implications and management

Christian Breymann et al. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. .

Abstract

Iron deficiency is the commonest cause of anemia during pregnancy; however, its prevalence is highly determined by nutritional and socioeconomic status. Oral iron is the frontline therapy, but is often poorly tolerated. Awareness of the available intravenous formulations is essential for management. Before delivery, risk factors such as multiparity and heavy uterine bleeding increase the prevalence of iron deficiency and should be motivation for early diagnosis and treatment. Neonates born with iron deficiency have a statistically significant increment in both cognitive and behavioral abnormalities that persist after repletion, highlighting the need for heightened awareness of the diagnosis. A smartphone application providing information on nutrition and treatment is provided. New formulations of intravenous iron with carbohydrate cores, which bind elemental iron more tightly, minimize the release of labile free iron to allow complete replacement doses of intravenous iron in 15 to 60 minutes, facilitating and simplifying care.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict-of-interest disclosure: C.B. has consulted for and received honoraria from Vifor International Company. M.A. has received research funding from AMAG Pharma, Pharmacosmos, and Luitpold and has consulted for AMAG Pharma and Pharmacosmos.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
The FER-ASAP Study. Reprinted from Breymann et al with permission.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Change in hemoglobin and TSAT. Reprinted from Auerbach et al with permission.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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