Anemia in pregnancy : the major causes in Malta

Abstract

There is an appreciable incidence of anemia in pregnancy in Malta. The full investigation of all anemic patients in pregnancy is an enormous task, but as accurate diagnosis is essential for correct treatment, it is of value to find the incidence of the major causes. The importance of several investigations in the diagnosis of anemia was first assessed by comparing the results in anemic patients and non-anemic controls in the third trimester of pregnancy. For the purpose of this survey, patients with a hemoglobin concentration less than 11 g. per 100 ml. were considered anemic and patients with a hemoglobin concentration above 12 g. per 100 ml. were used as controls. After considering the diagnostic criteria, the incidence of the major causes are assessed. Iron deficiency is the most important cause of anemia in pregnancy. There is an appreciable incidence of thalassemia trait, urinary tract infection and possibly folic acid deficiency. Serum iron, hemoglobin A2, and urine culture are important for the investigation of the cause of anemia in pregnancy in Malta.