title: A longitudinal study of serum iron indices and haemoglobin concentration following copper-IUD insertion.
abstract: The increase in menstrual blood loss associated with copper-bearing IUDs may cause or aggravate pre-existing anaemia. In order to evaluate this risk, 84 Malaysian women wearing copper-IUDs were studied longitudinally by means of serial measurements of blood haemoglobin concentration (Hb), serum iron (S/Fe) and transferrin saturation (T/S). The initial Hb was under 12 gm% in 33.7% of patients. The mean Hb showed no significant change up to 12 months while S/Fe fell significantly at the end of this time; the T/S was significantly reduced as early as 6 months post-insertion. There is a significant risk of anaemia following copper-IUD insertion, particularly with long-term usage. Progestogen-releasing IUDs may offer the most feasible solution to this problem in our local context since oral medication with iron or drugs to reduce menstrual blood loss is not practicable.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins; D006801:Humans; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D014168:Transferrin
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins; D014168:Transferrin; D007501:Iron