Expert recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy and the postpartum period in the Asia-Pacific region

J Perinat Med. 2011 Mar;39(2):113-21. doi: 10.1515/jpm.2010.132. Epub 2010 Nov 11.

Abstract

Anemia during pregnancy and the postpartum period is commonly caused by iron deficiency and is a significant worldwide issue with severe consequences for both mother and developing fetus. From a worldwide perspective, iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) during pregnancy is highest in the Asia-Pacific region; however, there has been little guidance in this region for safe and effective treatment. An expert panel was convened to develop a concise and informative set of recommendations for the treatment of IDA in pregnant and postpartum women in the Asia-Pacific region. This manuscript provides these recommendations and aims to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with IDA in pregnant and postpartum women in the Asia-Pacific region. The consensus recommendations define anemia as a hemoglobin (Hb) level <10.5 g/dL during pregnancy and <10 g/dL during the postpartum period, and provide cut-off Hb levels to initiate therapy with oral iron, intravenous iron or red blood cell transfusion.

Publication types

  • Consensus Statement

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / complications*
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / diagnosis
  • Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / therapy
  • Asia
  • Erythrocyte Transfusion
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Iron / administration & dosage
  • Pacific Islands
  • Postpartum Period
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / therapy*

Substances

  • Iron