Quantifying differences in iron deficiency-attributable anemia during pregnancy and postpartum

• Published in: Cell reports. Medicine 2023-07, Vol.4 (7), p.101097-101097, Article 101097
• Main Authors: Davidson, Eliza M., Scoullar, Michelle J.L., Peach, Elizabeth, Morgan, Christopher J., Melepia, Pele, Opi, D. Herbert, Supsup, Hadlee, Hezeri, Priscah, Philip, Wilson, Kabiu, Dukduk, Tokmun, Kerryanne, Suruka, Rose, Fidelis, Ruth, Elijah, Arthur, Siba, Peter M., Pomat, William, Kombut, Benishar, Robinson, Leanne J., Crabb, Brendan S., Kennedy, Elissa, Boeuf, Philippe, Simpson, Julie A., Beeson, James G., Fowkes, Freya J.I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: anemia; Anemia - epidemiology; Anemia - etiology; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency - complications; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency - epidemiology; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Iron - therapeutic use; Iron Deficiencies; iron deficiency; malaria; Papua New Guinea; postpartum; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy
• ISSN: 2666-3791; 2666-3791
• DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101097

Pregnant women in resource-limited settings are highly susceptible to anemia and iron deficiency, but the etiology of postpartum anemia remains poorly defined. To inform the optimal timing for anemia interventions, changes in iron deficiency-attributable anemia through pregnancy and postpartum need to be understood. In 699 pregnant Papua New Guinean women attending their first antenatal care appointment and following up at birth and 6 and 12 months postpartum, we undertake logistic mixed-effects modeling to determine the effect of iron deficiency on anemia and population attributable fractions, calculated from odds ratios, to quantify the contribution of iron deficiency to anemia. Anemia is highly prevalent during pregnancy and 12 months postpartum, with iron deficiency increasing the odds of anemia during pregnancy and, to a lesser extent, postpartum. Iron deficiency accounts for ≥72% of anemia during pregnancy and 20%–37% postpartum. Early iron supplementation during and between pregnancies could break the cycle of chronic anemia in women of reproductive age. [Display omitted] •Pregnant women in Papua New Guinea are at high risk of anemia and iron deficiency•High anemia prevalence from the first antenatal care visit to 12 months postpartum•Iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia in pregnancy but less so postpartum Davidson et al. report that anemia is highly prevalent in pregnant Papua New Guinean women and during the first 12 months postpartum. Iron deficiency is the main contributor to anemia in pregnancy but less so postpartum. Iron supplementation early during and between pregnancies could alleviate anemia in women of reproductive age.