A randomised placebo-controlled trial to determine the effect of iron supplementation on pregnancy outcome in pregnant women with haemoglobin > or = 13.2 g/dl.
OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of iron supplementation on pregnancy outcome in pregnant women with haemoglobin (Hb) > or = 13.2 g/dl.


METHODS
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
Routine health services.


METHODS
Seven hundred and twenty-seven pregnant women with Hb > or = 13.2 g/dl in the early stage of the second trimester.


METHODS
Each woman took one ferrous sulphate [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] tablet (150 g tablet, containing 50 mg of elemental iron) [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] daily in the case group (n = 370) or placebo in the control group (n = 357) throughout pregnancy.


METHODS
Pregnancy outcome.


RESULTS
While there were no significant differences in demographic and obstetric characteristics between the two groups before any intervention, small-for-gestational-age birth rate and the number of women with hypertension disorder increased significantly in the case group in comparison with the control group (57 [15.7%] versus 36 [10.3%], P = 0.035, 10 [2.7%] versus 3 [8%], P = 0.05, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Our finding proves that routine iron supplementation in nonanaemic women is not rational and may be harmful.
Ziaei
S
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran. ziaei_99@yahoo.com
Norrozi
M
M
Faghihzadeh
S
S
Jafarbegloo
E
E
D000328:Adult; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011250:Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D006454:Hemoglobins; D014131:Trace Elements; C020748:ferrous sulfate