Revisiting the basis for haemoglobin screening in pregnancy

The objective of this review is to describe the current landscape of haemoglobin testing in pregnancy in low and high-income countries. Recent findings Current definitions of anaemia in pregnancy comprise a laboratory threshold of haemoglobin below which treatment is offered. Haemoglobin measurement is not sensitive in detecting iron deficiency – the most common cause of maternal anaemia. Furthermore, these historical thresholds were derived from heterogeneous populations comprising men and women. Women with anaemia in pregnancy are offered iron therapy, without testing for the underlying cause. This may be appropriate in high-income settings, where iron deficiency is the likely cause, but may not address the complex causes of anaemia in other geographical areas. Summary Current thresholds of haemoglobin defining anaemia in pregnancy are under review. Further research and policy should focus on optimal strategies to identify women at risk of anaemia from all causes.
Source: Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology - Category: OBGYN Tags: WOMEN'S HEALTH: Edited by Joseph Aquilina Source Type: research