Журнал беременности и здоровья детей

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Outcome of Pregnancies among Cameroonian Anemic Women: A Comparative Cohort Study

Elie Nkwabong and Joseph Nelson Fomulu

Objective: To evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes among Cameroonian anemic pregnant women according to the degree of correction of anemia.

Methods: This cohort study was conducted in the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital, Cameroon, from March 1st, 2011 to February 28th, 2013. Anemic pregnant women (initial Hemoglobin concentration (Hb) <10 g/dl) and nonanemic pregnant women (Hb ≥ 11 g/dl) were followed up till delivery. Variables measured were gestational age at the first visit (booking), Hb value at the first consultation and at 36 weeks gestation, pregnancy complications, gestational age at delivery, birth weight (BW) and Apgar score. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0. Chi square test or Fisher exact test and t-test were used for comparison. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Hb still less than 9 g/dl at 36 weeks gestation was associated with an increased risk of low BW (RR 7, 95%CI 1.6-30.4), pre-eclampsia (RR 3.3, 95%CI 0.9-11.9) and preterm deliveries (RR 3, 95% CI 0.6-14.6). Mean BW observed among initially anemic women with Hb ≥ 10 g/dl at 36 weeks gestation was higher than that found among women of the non anemic group (P<0.0001).

Conclusion: Hb still less than 9 g/dl at 36 weeks gestation was associated with increased risk of low BW while anemia corrected with iron and folic acid before term was associated with a significant increase in BW.