Iron deficiency is prevalent in a sample of pregnant women at delivery in Germany.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence and risk factors of iron deficiency in pregnancy, since iron supplements are not routine in Germany.


METHODS
Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), ferritin, hemoglobin (Hb), C-reactive protein (CRP) and leucocyte counts were determined in venous blood samples of 378 women before delivery; 191 of them filled in a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 9.0.1.


RESULTS
CRP and leucocyte count correlated significantly with ferritin values, while sTfR values were independent. Iron deficiency (sTfR >3.3 mg/dl) was found in 40.7% of pregnant women, and anemia (Hb<11.0 g/dl) in 13.6%. Non-German nationality, low educational level and young maternal age were significant risk factors for iron deficiency, while alcohol use in pregnancy, iron and folic acid supplements were protective. After adjusting for all other factors in a logistic regression equation, not taking any iron supplements in pregnancy (odd ratios (OR) 3.3 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-9.4), and young maternal age (OR 2.86 and 95% CI 1.1-7.7) remained significant risks.


CONCLUSIONS
Iron deficiency in pregnant women in Germany is prevalent; it could be prevented by routine iron supplements.
Bergmann
Renate L
RL
Klinik für Geburtsmedizin, Charité Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany. renate.bergmann@charite.de
Gravens-Müller
Lisa
L
Hertwig
Kai
K
Hinkel
Jana
J
Andres
Björn
B
Bergmann
Karl E
KE
Dudenhausen
Joachim W
JW
D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008423:Maternal Age; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin / Q000097:blood; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D006454:Hemoglobins; D011990:Receptors, Transferrin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D005293:Ferritins; D005492:Folic Acid; D007501:Iron