title: Single-dose intramuscular iron dextran in pregnancy for anaemia prevention in urban Zambia.
abstract: One hundred and thirty-three pregnant Zambians from a low socio-economic group had 5 ml of iron dextran complex injected into each buttock at their first antenatal visit. The haemoglobin change between then and delivery was measured and compared with a similar group of 142 patients who served as controls. Of the treated group 84% showed a rise in haemoglobin level (mean change 1.025 g/dl) compared with 56% of the control group (mean change 0.26 g/dl). This regimen may be appropriate for areas where general health is poor, iron deficiency is common and antenatal care is hindered by distance, acceptance or compliance with tablet taking.
mesh_terms: D000747:Anemia, Hypochromic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007505:Iron-Dextran Complex / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011295:Prenatal Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population; D015024:Zambia
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins; D007505:Iron-Dextran Complex