Iron deficiency is prevalent in a sample of pregnant women at delivery in Germany

Objective: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of iron deficiency in pregnancy. since iron supplements are not routine in Germany. Study design: Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR). ferritin. hemoglobin (Hb), C-reactive protein (CRP) and leucocyte counts were determined in venous blood samples of 378 women before delivery 191 of them filled in a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 9.0.1. Results: CRP and leucocyte count correlated significantly with ferritin values, while sTfR values were independent. Iron deficiency (sTfR >3.3 mg/dl) was found in 40.7% of pregnant women, and anemia (Hb < 11.0 g/dl) in 13.6%. Non-German nationality, low educational level and young maternal age were significant risk factors for iron deficiency, while alcohol use in pregnancy, iron and folic acid supplements were protective. After adjusting, for all other factors in a logistic regression equation, not taking any iron supplements in pregnancy (odd ratios (OR) 3.3 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-9.4). and young maternal age (OR 2.86 and 95% CI 1.1-7.7) remained significant risks. Conclusion: Iron deficiency in pregnant women in Germany is prevalent it could be prevented by routine iron supplements, (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.