Replenishment of iron deficiency in women before the use of assisted reproductive technologies

Introduction. Anemia is a major health problem worldwide, increasing the risks of low birth weight, preterm birth, perinatal mortality, stillbirth, postpartum hemorrhage, and maternal mortality. Replenishing iron deficiency at the stage of preconceptional preparation reduces the incidence of IDA and can reduce the incidence of pregnancy complications and improve perinatal outcomes.

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of ferrous sulfate 80 mg and its potential to replenish iron deficiency in women with infertility before using assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Materials and methods. A prospective clinical longitudinal study was conducted from May to September 2023 at LLC Health Clinic, Moscow. The study included women (n = 34) at the stage of pregnancy planning by IVF with a diagnosed iron deficiency. Iron deficiency was established in accordance with the following criteria: decrease in serum ferritin level less than 30 μg/l, serum iron level less than 15 μmol/l.

Results. After 12 weeks of taking ferrous sulfate, the average hemoglobin level increased from 112.3 ± 6.5 (101–119) g/l to 118.5 ± 6.5 (110–133) g/l (W-Wilcoxon 9300 test, p = 0.003), mean serum iron level from 15.4 ± 4.0 (5.7–22.5) μmol/l to 34.8 ± 7.1 (20.1–46.7) μmol/l (Wilcoxon W test 602.0, p < 0.001), mean ferritin level from 8.2 ± 3.1 (4.5–17.0) μg/ml to 37.6 ± 6.7 (30.6–52.6) μg/ml (Wilcoxon W test 595.0, p < 0.001).

Conclusions. Timely examination of patients for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia at the stage of preconceptional preparation makes it possible to prescribe an effective correction, thereby helping to reduce the risks of complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

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