EFFECT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA (IDA) ON THYROID FUNCTION AND HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE IN PREGNANCY

Background: Anemia and thyroid disorders, both are common public health problems with pregnant women being the most vulnerable group. The risk of maternal mortality has a direct correlation with the severity of IDA (Iron Deciency Anemia). Some previous studies suggested that iron deciency anemia is related to thyroid function in pregnancy. To evaluate the Objectives: prevalence of anemia and evaluate the level of thyroid hormones in pregnant women and to study inter-relationship of iron deciency anemia with other hematological parameters and thyroid hormones in pregnancy. A total of 100 antenatal cases of women were included, with the Materials and methods: reproductive age group of 20-40 years. Subjects were categorized into three trimesters of pregnancy, viz. rst trimester, second trimester and third trimester and their blood samples were analysed for biochemical and hematological parameters. In the present study, i Results: t has been observed that 57% of pregnant women were anemic with Hb <11 g/dl. Based on the haematological studies, the anemic condition was due to the deciency of iron. Further, thyroid function was found to be correlated with iron deciency anemia. Subclinical hypothyroidism was found in 49% of anemic subjects. From the Conclusion: results of present study, it is concluded that there is increased prevalence of thyroid disorders and iron deciency anemia in antenatal cases and there is relationship between iron deciency anemia and hypothyroid cases. Subclinical hypothyroidism is more pronounced effect than overt hypothyroidism due to iron deciency anemia in pregnancy as revealed from the data generated in the study. Screening of thyroid stimulating hormone in all pregnant women at time of rst visit and treatment should be started if TSH <2.5IU/ml for healthy feto-maternal outcome. It has been established from the present study, that anemia can worsen this condition further, since iron deciency being a from the present study, that anemia can a major public health problem in developing country like India.