Prevalence and causes of anemia in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Thammasat Hospital

Abstract

Objective To assess prevalence and causes of anemia in pregnant women at Thammasat Hospital.

Subjects The study group was 2,500 pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic.

Results The study showed that 2,500 pregnant women at Thammasat Hospital had anemia 12.5 percent with a mean hemoglobin of 9.34 + 0.76 gram - percent and a mean hematocrit of 28.20 + 2.33 volume – percent. Causes of anemia were Thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies 51.0 percent, iron deficiency anemia 43.6 percent, megaloblastic anemia 2.2 percent and aplastic anemia 0.3 percent. In groups of Thalassemia and hemoglobinopathies, it had been identified heterozygous hemoglobin E, homozygous hemoglobin E, hemoglobin H disease, ß - Thal / Hb E disease, ß- Thal disease, ß - Thal trait, and a-Thal trait in 48.4, 34.0, 5.7, 4.4, 4.4, 2.5, and 0.1 percent respectively.

Conclusion Anemia is a medical condition with high prevalence rate. Major causes are Thalassemia , hemoglobinopathies , and iron deficiency anemia. It should be concerned by physician regarding a search for cause and a proper treatment.