Iron Deficiency In Early Pregnancy: Universal Screening for Iron Deficiency within an Outpatient Clinic System
Document Type
Presentation
Presentation Date
11-15-2024
Abstract
Anemia in pregnancy, primarily caused by iron deficiency, poses significant risks to both maternal and neonatal health including severe maternal morbidity and mortality and neonatal morbidity and is linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia in the neonate. Iron deficiency anemia is preventable and treatable with iron supplementation. Anemia on admission to labor increases the risk of severe maternal morbidity by four-fold and there are racial disparities. Despite the known risks of anemia, there is insufficient evidence to support routine screening for iron deficiency in pregnancy, as stated by the USPSFT (2024). We created a quality improvement project aimed to reduce anemia at labor admission by implementing universal early pregnancy ferritin screening and treatment. This study focuses on the implementation and prevalence of iron deficiency in early pregnancy. When evaluating iron deficiency prevalence in early pregnancy using ferritin cutoffs based on WHO, ACOG, and physiologic definition of iron deficiency the prevalence was 13.6%, 39.6% and 63.5%, respectively. Additionally, in the study population there were differences in iron deficiency in early pregnancy based on age, insurance type, and ethnicity. The implementation of universal screening for ferritin levels in early pregnancy has proven to be an effective strategy for identifying iron deficiency in a large cohort of patients and understanding trends. The project underscores the importance of early detection and treatment of iron deficiency as a potential to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Kappler, MD, FACOG, Danylle, "Iron Deficiency In Early Pregnancy: Universal Screening for Iron Deficiency within an Outpatient Clinic System" (2024). Master of Science in Population Health Capstone Presentations. Presentation 42.https://jdc.jefferson.edu/pophealthprogram/42
Language
English
Comments
Presentation: 33:37