Iron deficiency anemia in adolescent pregnancy: investigation of its effects and the related factors

Introduction: Adolescent pregnancies and their maternal and fetal complications are a global health burden. Iron deficiency anemia is among the factors, which might contribute to these negative consequences. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of iron deficiency anemia among pregnant adolescents followed at the Düzce University Medical Faculty Hospital and to investigate its maternal and fetal effects. Methods: A total of 122 pregnant women under 19 years of age were included in this case-control study. The socio-economic characteristics, hematological status, and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes possibly related to iron deficiency anemia were evaluated.Results: The incidence of anemia among the studied women was 29.5%, and 56.5% were receiving iron supplementation. Oral iron supplementation rate was 33.3% in the anemic group and 66.2% in the non-anemic group (p = 0.01). While the serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels were lower in the anemic group, iron binding capacity was lower in the non-anemic group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.01, p = 0.01, and p = 0.02; respectively). Concerning adverse perinatal outcomes, preeclampsia was seen in 11.4% of the anemic group and 4.6% in the non-anemic group; the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Iron deficiency anemia is a common problem in adolescent pregnancy. However, many anemic pregnant adolescents do not receive iron treatment. Positive effects on some maternal and perinatal outcomes can be achieved by administering iron supplementation to these women. Iron use should be increased to combat iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy