Silvana Fleischman

Maternal Anemia at Delivery, Outcome of Pregnancy and Infant Birth Weight, in a Group of Low Socioeconomic Level, in Greater Buenos Aires

Iron deficiency anemia is prevalent among pregnant women, but its influence in maternal and neonatal health is still uncertain. Latin America shows a high prevalence of maternal and child morbidity, mortality and anemia, reflecting nutritional problems and socio-cultural behavioural factors. However, Argentina is an exception within Latin America due to its high meat consumption, even in the low socio-economic population. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 157 pregnant women assisted at delivery in a suburban hospital, between July and September/1998. Most of the women did not have a follow-up at the Hospital and they had not taken iron or vitamin supplements during pregnancy. Maternal venous fasting blood samples were collected with EDTA and Hematocrit (Htc), Red Blood Cell (RBC), Hemoglobin (Hb) and Mean Cell Volume (MCV) were determined by an electronic counter. Infant birth weight (IBW) and delivery gestational age (DGE) were recorded. The mean values, standard deviation and ranges (between brackets) were: RBC (X 10/μl): 3.75 + 0.53; Htc(%): 34.1 + 5.1 (52–21); MCV(fL): 92 + 7 (115–71); Hb (g/dL): 11.1 + 1.8 (16.9–7.1); (DGA) (weeks): 38.8 + 2.4 (26–41). Distribution of the population according to Hb (g/dL) was: 13.2: 12%. MCV(fL) was 100 in 5%. The percentage of preterm birth ( 12.0