Latent iron deficiency therapy in pregnant women

According to various studies, the overall population incidence of latent iron deficiency (LID) ranges from 70% and more. However, routine tests cannot detect LID during preconception examination and in the first trimester of pregnancy; therefore, women receive no proper treatment, and iron deficiency manifest in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. LID causes hypoxia, leading to pregnancy, labor, and postpartum complications.

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of iron with folic acid supplements compared to vitamin-mineral complexes in pregnant women with LID to improve maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Materials and methods. A prospective cohort non-interventional study (observational program) in real clinical practice was conducted. In total 461 pregnant women aged 19 to 35 with LID were included in the study. During the study, women were divided into two groups according to the method of LID correction: administration of iron sulfate 247.25 mg, which corresponds to an iron content of 80 mg + folic acid 350 μg (Gyno-Tardyferon®), or vitamin-mineral complexes with an iron content of 14–18 mg. Routine complete blood count, serum iron, serum ferritin, and transferrin were monitored over time.

Results. Gyno-Tardyferon® showed high therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy; the rate of favorable outcomes was 100% and 35% for multivitamin iron-containing complexes. No LID progression to manifest iron deficiency during pregnancy can also be considered a favorable outcome.

Conclusion. The results showed that timely treatment of LID with an iron-containing medication (Gyno-Tardyferon®) prevents manifested iron deficiency and hemic and circulatory hypoxia, which ultimately reduces the rate of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum complications.