Prevalence of anemia and associated factors among pregnant women at Hargeisa Group Hospital, Somaliland.

BACKGROUND: Anemia remains a major global public health issue, affecting around 24.8% of the world's population in both developing and developed countries. Pregnant women in developing countries are particularly susceptible, with 38.2% affected worldwide. Anemia is also a major contributor to maternal mortality, with 510,000 maternal deaths globally, of which 20% occur in developing countries and are related to anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent form, impacting 1.3 to 2.2 billion individuals, with 50% being women of reproductive age. AIM: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Hargeisa Group Hospital (HGH), Somaliland. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included 360 pregnant women, who sought ANC at HGH from July 15 to August 6, 2023. The study subjects were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and participants' current medical charts, including hemoglobin levels. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 20). RESULTS: The study revealed an overall prevalence of anemia among pregnant women at 50.6% (95% CI: 45.40 - 55.72%). Anemia severity was categorized as mild (33.0%), moderate (54.9%), and severe (12.1%). Factors statistically associated with anemia included gestational age in the third trimester (AOR = 3.248, 95% CI: 1.491-7.074), lack of ANC visits (AOR = 6.828, 95% CI: 1.966-23.721), and absence of iron supplementation (AOR = 29.588, 95% CI: 2.922-299.713). Notably, a higher consumption of meat per week was associated with a reduced risk of anemia (AOR = 0.198, 95% CI: 0.104-0.379). CONCLUSION: The study underscores the severity of anemia in pregnant women within the range considered as severe public health problem by WHO. It is crucial to emphasize effective prenatal care, improve dietary practices, and promote the provision of iron supplements. Enhanced maternal education on Anemia during ANC visits has the potential to reduce Anemia prevalence and mitigate adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Prevalence and influencing factors of anemia among pregnant women across first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy in monitoring areas, from 2016 to 2020: a population-based multi-center cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women across their entire pregnancy and the factors affecting it in the monitoring areas. METHODS: A total of 108,351 pregnant women who received antenatal health care and delivered from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020 in 15 monitoring counties of 8 provinces in the Maternal and Newborn Health Monitoring Program (MNHMP) of National Center for Women and Children's Health (NCWCH) were selected as the study subjects. The anemia status among the subjects across their first, second and third trimester of pregnancy and the influencing factors were analyzed. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2020, the prevalence of anemia at any stage during pregnancy in the monitoring areas was 43.59%. The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women across all three trimesters was 3.95%, and the prevalence of mild and moderate-to-severe anemia was 1.04% and 2.90%, respectively. Protective factors were living in the northern area (OR = 0.395) and being a member of an ethnic minority (OR = 0.632). The risk factors were residing in rural areas (OR = 1.207), with no more than junior high school education (OR = 1.203), having ≥ 3 gravidities (OR = 1.195) and multiple fetuses (OR = 1.478). CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women across all trimesters in the monitoring area was low, the severity of anemia was high. Since the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women across their entire pregnancy in the monitoring area is affected by many different factors, more attention should be paid to pregnant women living in rural areas, with low literacy, ≥ 3 gravidities and multiple fetuses for early intervention.

A Case of Pregnancy-Induced Hereditary Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Complicated by Cerebral Vasospasm.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to explore the treatment of a case of congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura induced by pregnancy complicated with cerebral vasospasm. METHODS: We present a case study of congenital TTP where disease onset occurred during two separate pregnancies. Interestingly, the disease course exhibited distinct differences on each occasion. Additionally, following plasma transfusion therapy, there was a transient occurrence of cerebral vasospasm. RESULTS: In this case, ADAMTS13 levels reached their lowest point three days after delivery during the first pregnancy, triggering morbidity. Remarkably, a single plasma transfusion of 400 mL sufficed for the patient's recovery. Nonetheless, a recurrence of symptoms transpired during her second pregnancy at 24 weeks of gestation. Plasma transfusions were administered during and after delivery. Sudden convulsions developed. ADAMTS13 ac-tivity returned to normal, but cranial MRA revealed constrictions in the intracranial segments of both vertebral arteries, the basilar artery, and the lumen of the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries. A subsequent cranial MRA conducted a month later showed no lumen stenosis, indicating spontaneous recovery. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of careful consideration when administering plasma transfusions in congenital TTP during pregnancy. Moreover, the development of novel therapeutic approaches such as recombinant ADAMTS13 is crucial for minimizing complications and optimizing patient care.

Factors associated with anaemia among pregnant women in Rwanda: an analysis of the Rwanda demographic and health survey of 2020.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia in pregnancy is associated with several adverse outcomes for mothers and newborns, as well as their families. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of anaemia and the associated factors among pregnant women in Rwanda. METHODS: Secondary data from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) was used. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select 435 pregnant women included in the study. Anaemia among pregnant women was defined as a haemoglobin value < 11 g/dL. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associated factors with anaemia in pregnancy, using SPSS (version 26). RESULTS: Of the 435 pregnant women, 24.6% (95%CI: 21.1-29.3) were anaemic (1 in 4 pregnant women). Not working (AOR = 2.45; 95%CI: 1.14-5.26), being unmarried (AOR = 1.23; 95%CI: 1.24-3.57), low wealth index (AOR = 9.19; 95%CI: 1.64-51.56), having difficulty accessing a nearby health facility (AOR = 5.40; 95%CI: 2.21-13.23), and normal body mass index (AOR = 3.33; 95%CI: 1.46-7.59) were associated with higher odds of being anaemic. However, not taking iron supplements (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.04-0.67), having no exposure to television (AOR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.14-0.91), being from the southern region (AOR = 0.14; 95% CI: 0.03-0.66), and low husband/partner's education (AOR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.59) were associated with lower odds of being anaemic. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings indicate a high prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy, which was associated with several socio-demographics. There is a need for setting up mobile clinics and health facilities in hard-to-reach areas for easy accessibility to early anaemia screening services. Conducting mass screening for anaemia targeting pregnant women who are not working, the unmarried, and those with a low wealth index would also be beneficial. The intake of locally available iron rich foods and/ or bio-fortified foods is also recommended.

Prevalence and determinants of anaemia among pregnant women in a high malaria transmission setting: a cross-sectional study in rural Burkina Faso.

Introduction: anemia, the commonest nutritional deficiency disorder among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa, is associated with severe peripartum complications. Its regular monitoring is necessary to timely inform clinical and preventive decision-making. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of anemia among pregnant women in rural areas of Burkina Faso. Methods: between August 2019 and March 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted to collect maternal sociodemographic, gynaeco-obstetric, and medical characteristics by face-to-face interview or by review of antenatal care books. In addition, maternal malaria was diagnosed by standard microscopy and the hemoglobin levels (Hb) measured by spectrophotometry. The proportion of anaemia (Hb<11.0 g/dL), moderate (7.0

Iron overload in anaemia with underlying haemoglobin constant spring in an antenatal mother in primary care.

This is the case of a gravida 3 para 1 woman in her late 20s with underlying haemoglobin constant spring who visited a healthcare clinic for an antenatal check-up. Towards the end of her second trimester, she experienced lethargy. During her antenatal booking, she was diagnosed with mild asymptomatic anaemia, high serum ferritin, T saturation of 88% and abnormal liver function tests. She was referred to a hospital where an MRI scan revealed over 2 g of iron deposits in her liver, leading to a revised diagnosis of iron overload. Treatment included deferoxamine and expectant management throughout her antenatal period, and her delivery was uncomplicated. While iron deficiency anaemia is common in pregnancy, it is crucial not to overlook iron deposition and the distinction from acute fatty liver during pregnancy to prevent treatment delays.

Management of pregnancy and delivery in congenital fibrinogen disorders: communication from the ISTH SSC Subcommittee on Factor XIII and Fibrinogen.

Congenital fibrinogen disorders (CFDs) are a heterogeneous group of rare congenital quantitative and/or qualitative fibrinogen deficiencies. The spectrum of molecular anomalies is broad, leading to several subtypes of fibrinogen disorders (ie, afibrinogenemia, hypofibrinogenemia, dysfibrinogenemia, and hypodysfibrinogenemia). Pregnancy in women with CFDs is a high-risk clinical situation, with an increased tendency for miscarriages, bleeding, and thrombosis. Even though it is well established that management of such pregnancies requires a multidisciplinary approach involving specialists (hematologists and maternal/fetal medicine experts with expertise in the management of inherited bleeding disorders), specific guidelines are lacking. In this International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Scientific and Standardization Committee communication, we aim to propose an expert consensus opinion with literature evidence where available on the strategy for management of pregnancy, delivery, and puerperium in CFDs.

Anaemia in the first trimester and poor physiological plasma expansion during pregnancy negatively impact foetal weight and newborn anthropometrics: An observational cohort study in Tanzania.

OBJECTIVES: Anaemia during pregnancy is a major health challenge affecting pregnancy outcome worldwide. The objectives of this study were to investigate the impact of severe-moderate anaemia in the first trimester, as well as changes in haemoglobin during pregnancy among non-anaemic women, on foetal weight, placental blood flow and newborn anthropometrics. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, 346 women residing in rural Tanzania were followed throughout pregnancy with serial ultrasound and newborn anthropometrics assessed within 24 h of delivery. Associations between placental blood flow, foetal weight and newborn anthropometrics with either first trimester severe-moderate anaemia (haemoglobin≤9.5 g/dL) or changes in haemoglobin from the first to the third trimester among non-anaemic women, were assessed by mixed model regression and multiple linear regression, adjusting for maternal and foetal co-variables. Foetal weights and birthweight were converted to z-scores using a population based sex-specific weight reference. RESULTS: Severe-moderate anaemia in the first trimester was associated with significantly reduced foetal weight z-scores (adjusted mean difference (aMD) -0.44 (95% CI -0.81, -0.07)) and newborn anthropometric indices (birth weight z-score aMD -0.55 (-0.9, -0.13), abdominal circumference aMD -11 mm (95% CI -20, -3)). There were no association between first trimester severe-moderate anaemia and placental blood flow. Among women who were non-anaemic in the first trimester, women with the least reduction in haemoglobin (Δ ≥ -0.3 g/dL) delivered significantly smaller newborns (birthweight z-score aMD -0.55 (-0.91, -0.20), abdominal circumference aMD -10 mm (95% CI -17, -3), compared to women with the greatest reduction (Δ haemoglobin ≤ -1.4 g/dL)). CONCLUSIONS: Severe-moderate anaemia in early pregnancy was associated with smaller newborn anthropometrics which was reflected in smaller mean foetal weights in the second and third trimester. Furthermore, among women who were non-anaemic in the first trimester, there was an association between smaller newborn anthropometrics and limited haemoglobin decrease during pregnancy, possibly reflecting insufficient plasma expansion.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in pregnancy.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in pregnancy is challenging for both mother and fetus. Understanding the pathophysiology, treatments, and risks to the mother and fetus leads to proper management resulting in successful pregnancy and delivery in almost all cases.1 ITP in a pregnant woman has many similarities to ITP not in pregnancy although gestational thrombocytopenia can be confused with ITP. However, recognizing differences is instrumental in avoiding bleeding complications and toxicities of treatment. This Nutshell review focuses on the natural history of ITP in pregnancy, its treatment, and dilemmas.

Successful management of refractory immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura during pregnancy and delivery using the anti-VWF nanobody caplacizumab.

Pregnancy is a potential trigger of acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). The management of pregnancy-associated immune-mediated TTP (iTTP) can be challenging, especially when it is refractory to standard treatment. Caplacizumab, a nanobody to von Willebrand factor (VWF) blocking its A1 domain, is a valuable new therapeutic option. Its use is, however, not approved during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We describe the successful off-label administration of caplacizumab during pregnancy and delivery in a patient with refractory iTTP. The favourable outcome without significant thrombotic or haemorrhagic complications indicates that caplacizumab may be an effective and safe treatment option in refractory iTTP during pregnancy.

Clinical outcome post treatment of anemia in pregnancy with intravenous versus oral iron therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Oral iron therapy is often the most common way of treating anaemia; however intravenous iron is considered effective due to rapid iron replenishment. We have dearth of evidence on clinical outcomes post treatment of anaemia. We have searched studies published in English in PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. Our study analysed the clinical outcomes amongst neonates and mother and the adverse events post treatment and assessed the mean change in maternal haemoglobin concentration in both the groups. Forest plots for the clinical outcomes are presented. From a total of 370 studies, 34 Randomized and quasi experimental studies comparing clinical outcomes post-treatment of anaemia in pregnancy were included for quantitative evidence synthesis. Pooled results of maternal clinical outcomes using random effect model [OR: 0.79 (95% CI 0.66; 0.95); 10 outcomes; 17 studies] showed statistically significant difference among both the groups [Moderate quality evidence]; however no significant difference [OR: 0.99 (95% CI 0.86; 1.14); 7 outcomes; 8 studies] have been observed for neonatal complications [Low quality evidence]. The study found that pregnant women receiving IV iron were significantly less likely to experience adverse events as compared with those receiving oral iron [OR 0.39;  (95% CI 0.26-0.60)]; 34 studies; 13,909 women; [Low quality evidence]. Findings from meta-regression analysis showed that IV iron is more likely to reduce maternal complications by 21% compared to oral iron. Increase in odds of adverse maternal outcomes was observed due to increase in gestational age and publication year but no effect for the type of drug used. IV iron increases Hb more and at a higher pace than oral iron. Intravenous iron is more likely to avert adverse maternal outcomes and adverse reactions. However, there is no conclusive evidence on its effectiveness on individual maternal outcome or neonatal outcome/s. Protocol registered with PROSPERO CRD42022368346).

Obstetric blood transfusion in placenta previa patients with prenatal anemia: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The appropriate use of obstetric blood transfusion is crucial for patients with placenta previa and prenatal anemia. This retrospective study aims to explore the correlation between prenatal anemia and blood transfusion-related parameters in this population. METHODS: We retrieved the medical records of consecutive participants who were diagnosed with placenta previa and underwent cesarean section in our hospital. We compared the baseline demographics and clinical characteristics of patients with and without anemia. The correlation between prenatal anemia and obstetric blood transfusion-related parameters was evaluated using multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 749 patients were enrolled, with a mean prenatal hemoglobin level of 10.87 ± 1.37 g/dL. Among them, 54.87% (391/749) were diagnosed with anemia. The rate of obstetric blood transfusion was significantly higher in the anemia group (79.54%) compared to the normal group (44.41%). The median allogeneic red blood cell transfusion volume in the anemia group was 4.00 U (IQR 2.00-6.00), while in the normal group, it was 0.00 U (IQR 0.00-4.00). The prenatal hemoglobin levels had a non-linear relationship with intraoperative allogeneic blood transfusion rate, massive blood transfusion rate, red blood cell transfusion units, and fresh plasma transfusion volume in patients with placenta previa, with a threshold of 12 g/dL. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that prenatal anemia is associated with a higher rate of blood transfusion-related parameters in women with placenta previa when the hemoglobin level is < 12 g/dL. These results highlight the importance of promoting prenatal care in placenta previa patients with a high requirement for blood transfusion.

Genetic basis of pregnancy-associated decreased platelet counts and gestational thrombocytopenia.

ABSTRACT: Platelet count reduction occurs throughout pregnancy, with 5% to 12% of pregnant women being diagnosed with gestational thrombocytopenia (GT), characterized by a more marked decrease in platelet count during pregnancy. However, the underlying biological mechanism behind these phenomena remains unclear. Here, we used sequencing data from noninvasive prenatal testing of 100 186 Chinese pregnant individuals and conducted, to our knowledge, the hitherto largest-scale genome-wide association studies on platelet counts during 5 periods of pregnancy (the first, second, and third trimesters, delivery, and the postpartum period) as well as 2 GT statuses (GT platelet count < 150 × 109/L and severe GT platelet count < 100 × 109/L). Our analysis revealed 138 genome-wide significant loci, explaining 10.4% to 12.1% of the observed variation. Interestingly, we identified previously unknown changes in genetic effects on platelet counts during pregnancy for variants present in PEAR1 and CBL, with PEAR1 variants specifically associated with a faster decline in platelet counts. Furthermore, we found that variants present in PEAR1 and TUBB1 increased susceptibility to GT and severe GT. Our study provides insight into the genetic basis of platelet counts and GT in pregnancy, highlighting the critical role of PEAR1 in decreasing platelet counts during pregnancy and the occurrence of GT. Those with pregnancies carrying specific variants associated with declining platelet counts may experience a more pronounced decrease, thereby elevating the risk of GT. These findings lay the groundwork for further investigation into the biological mechanisms and causal implications of GT.

Risk of thrombocytopenia in neonates of thrombocytopenic mothers.

OBJECTIVE: Maternal thrombocytopenia during pregnancy may occur due to several possible etiologies, with potential neonatal impact. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is a correlation between maternal and neonatal platelet count among women with thrombocytopenia during pregnancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study (2012-2019) was conducted at a tertiary medical center. Complete blood count was routinely measured in all patients on admission to the delivery ward. Thrombocytopenia was defined as a platelet count below 150 K/µL. Clinical and outcome parameters of thrombocytopenic mothers and their newborns were collected from the electronic files and analyzed by severity of maternal thrombocytopenia. RESULTS: Of 45 385 women with a documented platelet count at admission, 2841 (6.24%) had thrombocytopenia: 2623 (5.7%) mild (100-149 K/µL), 207 (0.45%) moderate (50-99 K/µL), and 11 (0.02%) severe (<50 K/µL). Eight newborns had thrombocytopenia; corresponding rates by severity of maternal thrombocytopenia were 0.11%, 1.43%, and 18.18% (P = 0.04). None of the thrombocytopenic neonates had an intraventricular hemorrhage or other bleeding complications. The correlation between maternal and neonatal platelet counts was weak (Pearson r = 0.038; P = 0.046). CONCLUSION: We suggest that although the chances of neonatal thrombocytopenia are higher with worsening maternal thrombocytopenia, actual occurrence is rare, and the correlation is poor. Therefore, maternal thrombocytopenia cannot be regarded as a significant risk factor for neonatal thrombocytopenia. Neonatal platelet count should be obtained when maternal thrombocytopenia is autoimmune or less than 100 K/µL.

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consult Series #68: Sickle cell disease in pregnancy.

Pregnant individuals with sickle cell disease have an increased risk of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, prepregnancy counseling and multidisciplinary care can lead to favorable maternal and neonatal outcomes. In this consult series, we summarize what is known about sickle cell disease and provide guidance for sickle cell disease management during pregnancy. The following are Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommendations.

How I treat thrombocytopenia in pregnancy.

ABSTRACT: Thrombocytopenia is a common hematologic abnormality in pregnancy, encountered in ∼10% of pregnancies. There are many possible causes, ranging from benign conditions that do not require intervention to life-threatening disorders necessitating urgent recognition and treatment. Although thrombocytopenia may be an inherited condition or predate pregnancy, most commonly it is a new diagnosis. Identifying the responsible mechanism and predicting its course is made challenging by the tremendous overlap of clinical features and laboratory data between normal pregnancy and the many potential causes of thrombocytopenia. Multidisciplinary collaboration between hematology, obstetrics, and anesthesia and shared decision-making with the involved patient is encouraged to enhance diagnostic clarity and develop an optimized treatment regimen, with careful consideration of management of labor and delivery and the potential fetal impact of maternal thrombocytopenia and any proposed therapeutic intervention. In this review, we outline a diagnostic approach to pregnant patients with thrombocytopenia, highlighting the subtle differences in presentation, physical examination, clinical course, and laboratory abnormalities that can be applied to focus the differential. Four clinical scenarios are presented to highlight the pathophysiology and treatment of the most common causes of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy: gestational thrombocytopenia, preeclampsia, and immune thrombocytopenia.

Identifying and treating iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy.

Anemia is common during pregnancy, and while most anemia is physiologic, the most common pathologic cause is iron deficiency. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends confirmation of iron deficiency anemia with iron studies when anemia is diagnosed during pregnancy but acknowledges that presumptive treatment for suspected iron deficiency anemia is common in practice. Currently ACOG does not recommend treating iron deficiency without anemia during pregnancy. Though the benefits of treating iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy are clear, the optimal route of iron repletion remains uncertain. Results of ongoing large, randomized trials will help define the optimal route of iron treatment for pregnant patients diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia.