Assessment of correlation between oxidative stress with erythrocyte indicators and iron stores in iron deficiency anemia of pregnancy

Introduction and Aim: In India due to poor socioeconomic status and high prevalence of worm infestations iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is highly prevalent. Pregnancy is a physiological state which can easily slip into iron deficiency anemia if proper iron reserves are not maintained. Pregnancy is a condition with increased metabolic rate and hence there is a proportional demand for oxygen. The delicate balance between prooxidants and antioxidants can be deregulated and easily slip into oxidative stress. Serum ferritin is an indicator for actual iron stores in our body. Erythrocyte indices an indicator of hematological status of the body. Keeping this in view the present study is undertaken to correlate the extent of oxidative stress in form of MDA (malondialdhyde) with that of Iron stores and hematological status in anemia of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: The present study comprised 25 cases Iron deficiency anemia of pregnancy, 25 healthy pregnant women and 25 healthy women as control. Age ranges from 18 -35 years. Results: There was a significant increase in the mean MDA levels in cases (6.96 + 1.69) than pregnant controls (4.63+ 1.55) and in non pregnant healthy controls (3.65 +1.08). The mean serum Ferritin levels in cases was 8.3 + 7.94 ng/ml, in pregnant controls 39.10 +13.68 ng/ml and in healthy controls was 61.05+ 25.29 ng/ml. The mean + S.D. of Hb in cases, pregnant controls and non pregnant controls were 7.45+1.08, 11.62+0.88 and 12.44+0.86g% respectively. Conclusion: In country like India with high prevalence of nutritional deficiency, there is an increase in oxidative stress due to iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy. Prophylactic and therapeutic iron administration during preconception and all stages of gestation to attenuate oxidative stress and improve outcome of pregnancy needs consideration.