A STUDY OF SERUM FERRITIN AT FIRST ANTENATAL VIST IN PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA

  • : Ms Word, Ms Word Format
  • : 81 Pages
  • : ₦3000
  • : 1-5 Chapters
  •  
  • Click to DOWNLOAD Materials

A STUDY OF SERUM FERRITIN AT FIRST ANTENATAL VIST IN PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency is the commonest nutritional disorder worldwide and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable. Data on the prevalence of iron deficiency and its magnitude in pregnancy in our environment are scanty. This study aims at addressing this problem in PortHarcourt, in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study of two hundred and six (206) apparently healthy women booking for antenatal care and one hundred and twenty six (126) menstruating women. Their blood samples were analyzed using an automated blood cell counter and serum ferritin (SF) assayed by an ELISA technique.

RESULTS: Mean SF in pregnant and non-pregnant women were 38.7 ± 26.8µg/L and 46.1±24.9µg/L respectively. SF showed a progressive decline from the first to the third trimester.The prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) using SF in pregnant and non-pregnant women were 28.3% and 24.4% respectively. The corresponding values for iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) were 22.1% and 14.9% respectively. Iron status is directly proportional to the educational status and duration of child spacing in both pregnant and non-pregnant women.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ID in pregnancy in PortHarcourt is high and is in agreement with reports from other developing nations. ID results from low pre-pregnancy iron stores, late registration for ANC and poor compliance with iron supplementation. Therefore, routine iron supplementation in pregnancy is still a relevant strategy in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality hence the need for its re-enforcement.

A STUDY OF SERUM FERRITIN AT FIRST ANTENATAL VIST IN PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Reply