Practical Guidance on Managing Iron Deficiency in Women of Childbearing Age

TARGET GROUP: PREGNANT WOMEN

OBJECTIVES

·        To discuss and draft approaches to screening, diagnosing, and treating women of childbearing age, with the aim of standardizing patient management across the country.

·        To establish standards in screening, diagnosing, treating, and monitoring ID and IDA in women with HMB, during pregnancy, and postpartum, for physicians practicing in Saudi Arabia

·        To improve the overall quality of life in women with ID and IDA

SUMMARY

Micronutrient deficiencies are a major healthcare problem in the Middle East, with over one-third of the population being iron deficient or anemic. The prevalence of anemia in Saudi Arabia presents a moderate public health risk according to the World Health Organization (WHO); 32.0% of pregnant women and 32.3% of women of reproductive age are known to have anemia. Data from Saudi Arabia also suggest that the risk of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) increases 3- to 6-fold in women with a menstrual period duration > 8 days, a history of clots, or heavy bleeding. Additionally, the risk of IDA increases 2- to 4-fold in women with a low intake of meat; and the risk of iron deficiency (ID) increases by 6- to 9-fold in women on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antacids [3]. This paper will outline recommendations for managing ID and IDA in women with heavy menstrual bleeding and during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This document is intended for use by local general physicians, women’s healthcare professionals, and gynecologists, for the management of the aforementioned patients. However, physicians are required to manage patients based on the best available evidence and using their clinical judgment, and should also take factors such as patient characteristics, drug profile, and available resources into consideration.

REFERENCE

https://www.jscimedcentral.com/Obstetrics/obstetrics-7-1127.pdf